The glorious Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains add to the beauty of ‘The Volunteer State’ which you may recognize as Tennesse. It may be the economically prospering cities like Nashville and Memphis or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that attract you towards the state. Whether it’s to start a new career or raise a family, Tennessee surely is a great state to live in.
If you’re considering Tennessee as your next state to live in, you have to first take a look at the important formalities that need to be fulfilled. One of the many things that you need to do is getting your driver’s license updated and changing the address on your vehicle registration. In order to update all of this information, you will have to take out some time from your busy schedule and put this on the top of your priority list. Don’t know how to go about it? Well, keep reading to get all the information you need.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving To Tennessee From Another State
There is not much time for you to waste as Tennessee requires you to get a driver’s license within just 30 days of being a resident. That’s right, you have only 30 days and so getting your driver’s license has to be one of the top tasks on your moving checklist. We advise you to not keep any important paperwork for the last minute as it may cause you unnecessary stress.
1. Apply For A Change Of Address (Getting A New License)
In order to get a driver’s license, you will personally have to go to the Tennessee Driver Services Center if you are an out of state resident. But the good thing is your application process definitely can be started online. There’s also the e-service available for you to change your address online. Just select ‘change of address’ from the list of available services and renew your license.
You will have to carry the following important documents:
- Your current out of state driver’s license.
- Proof of Identification ( 2 documents are mandatory like your US Passport and Birth Certificate).
- Proof of Tennessee Residency (2 documents mandatory).
- Your U.S Citizenship/Lawful Permanent Resident Status/Temporary Legal Presence documents.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Completed Application form for Tennessee Driver’s License .
Note: You are not allowed to hold more than one driver’s license or ID and so you’ll have to submit your out of state driver’s license at the time of application. Also, you will need to carry a proof of name change if your name on the ID Proof does not match the name on your driver’s license.
If your current out of state driver’s license is valid, then you won’t have to give a driving test. A vision test is something you still need to pass though. Talking about your fees for this entire process, you will be charged around $2 as your application fee and around $26 for your new Tennessee driver’s license. For any additional information on the fee structure, go ahead and check the state’s official website.
2. Register Your Vehicle In Tennessee
In order to register your vehicle in Tennessee, you only have 30 days in your hand just like the time period for getting your Tennessee license. You’ll have to go to your respective local County Clerk’s office to update your vehicle registration. Fortunately, you have 5 alternatives to register your vehicle in Tennessee. You can renew your vehicle registration online by visiting the site tncountyclerk.com. There’s also the option of using a self-kiosk if you want to avoid lines to renew your vehicle registration. Another way of doing it is by downloading the Auto Assistant app in your smartphone. You can also send your renewal notice and payment through a mail at the county clerk’s office. If you like the old way of doing things, you can visit the county clerk’s office to register or renew your vehicle.
You will need the following documents to apply for your vehicle registration in Tennessee:
- Certification of successful emissions testing.
- Current out of state registration document.
- Proof of Identification.
- Proof of residency.
- Name and address of licence holder to whom you’re making payments/ in the event of no licence holder your out of state title.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Tennessee?
No, you don’t need a proof of insurance to register a car in Tennessee. Having said that, a proof of insurance is mandatory to drive a car in Tennessee. So you better get it done as soon as possible or else you won’t be able to drive your car in spite of registration. Also, note that you have only 30 days from the time of purchase to register your vehicle in Tennessee.
Registration Fee: You will be charged around $26.50 as your registration fee for a non commercial vehicle.
Can you update your Tennessee DMV change of address online?
Yes you can update or change your Tennessee DMV change of address online through the e-services available for you. All you have to do is select ‘change of address’ from the list of services mentioned to renew your license. Once you pay your fees and the transaction is complete, your updated new license will be mailed to you.
Can you drive with a foreign driver’s license in Tennessee?
Yes you can drive with a foreign driver’s license in Tennessee as long as it’s a valid license from another county. Note that you can use your foreign license for driving only for the first 30 days after establishing your residency.
Also See: Moving To Tennessee – Relocation Guide | How Much to Move Interstate
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Tennessee
Once you move to Tennessee, you’ve got only 10 days to update your driver’s license with your change in address. So you definitely can’t afford to lose any time and keep this at the top of your priority list to avoid any delays. Now that you know that time is your essence here, let’s get started with the process in a detailed yet simple manner.
The state gives you three alternatives to get your address updated on your driver’s license and also your vehicle registration. Your first alternative is filling the change of address form online on the state’s official website. There’s also the option of visiting the Tennessee Driver Services Center in-person if you find that more reliable. Otherwise you can just send your change of address form and other details by mail. You can choose any alternative that’s convenient to you.
1. Online
The online service surely will help you get things done immediately. So updating your new address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration will be easy using technology. All you have to do is fill the required form on the state’s official website. Fortunately, you will not be charged any fees to update your Tennessee address with the DMV. But if you need a replacement driver’s license, you will need to pay a fee of around $15.
Make sure you have these documents ready, as you will need them to change your address on your Tennessee driver’s license:
- Your current Tennessee driver’s license number
- Your Social Security Number (SSN last four digits)
- Your change of address form
To update your registration: Just like the time period for updating your driver’s license, you’ve got only 10 days in your hands to change the address on your vehicle registration once you move within Tennessee. This can be done online or if you’re comfortable, you can do it at the Tennessee Driver Services Center in-person. Keep the following documents ready for updating your vehicle registration:
- Your current Tennessee driver’s license.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN last four digits).
- Your change of address form.
- Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver’s license in the mail?
According to the estimate mentioned on the Tennessee DMV website, it will take around 20 days for your updated driver’s license to arrive via mail.
2. In Person
Another alternative to update your address on your license is by visiting the Tennessee driver’s license office nearest to you. So if you’re a person who is assured only when things get done in your presence, go and visit the driver’s license office near you and fill the Tennessee DMV change of address form.
3. By Mail
You can update the address on your Tennessee driver’s license through mail as well. Keep the following information ready to update your address through mail:
- Your current driver’s license number.
- Social Security Number (SSN).
- Former and Current home address (including your county).
- Your full name and birth date.
All you have to do is send a letter with the above information at: Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, 1148 Foster Ave, PO BOX 945, Nashville, TN 37202.
See Also: Find the best Local Movers in the US
When You’re Moving Out Of Tennessee
When you move to a new place, you need to take care of so many things altogether. Good thing is you don’t have to worry about cancelling your driver’s license if you’re moving to a new state. Tennessee does not make it mandatory for you to notify them if you’re moving to a new state even if your car is registered in the state. Your Tennessee driver’s license will automatically be cancelled once you move to a new state.
Also Read: List of Top-rated Out of State Moving Companies in America
How to contact the Tennessee DMV?
Tennessee Department of Homeland Security: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html
Phone: (615) 251-5166
Email: Safety@tn.gov
Operational Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm.
Conclusion
You may not even realize when your important documents may come in handy especially when you least expect them. So it is a good practice if you keep all of your important documents updated with correct information. Your driver’s license is one of those important documents which you need for driving. Apart from that, it can also be useful for other purposes. Don’t wait any further, get your driver’s license and vehicle registration updated by choosing any alternative offered by Tennessee DMV that’s convenient for you.
