Your Guide to the Tennessee DMV: Services, Locations, and Online Tools
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The Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees driver's license issuance and vehicle registrations. It is also where you can get your first driving permit or a vehicle title transfer.
Tennessee DMV locations are throughout the state. Most are open Monday through Friday, and some branches allow you to pre-schedule an appointment to minimize wait times.
Key Services Offered by the Tennessee DMV
Full-service Tennessee DMV locations assist Tennesseeans with typical vehicle-related activities, including:
- Tennessee car registrations
- Driver's license issuance and renewals
- Title transfers and applications
- Special licenses, such as Commercial Driving Licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle permits
The DMV also issues REAL ID cards and learning permits.
How To Register Your Vehicle in Tennessee
The Tennessee DMV makes it easy to register a vehicle. A set of free license plates comes with registration, or you can upgrade to specialty plates for a fee.
New Residents
If you're a new resident, start by applying for a certificate of title and registration with your local county clerk. The clerk will request the contact information for your vehicle financing company (if your car is under a loan), plus a copy of your most recent out-of-state vehicle registration.
Existing Residents
Current residents can register new vehicles with a copy of the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) and car invoice. If your vehicle is used, bring the title and an Odometer Disclosure Statement. These documents show that you own the vehicle and its current mileage.
Renewing Your Driver's License: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tennessee mails out renewal notices eight to ten weeks before a license expires. The notice goes directly to your current address, signaling it's time to take action. But even if you don't receive a mailed renewal notice, you're still responsible for updating your license.
1. Schedule an In-Person Appointment for Renewal
First-time driver's license renewals always require an in-person visit. You'll go to your nearest Driver Service Center and show proof of your U.S. citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status. A few documents that meet the DMV's requirements include:
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- U.S. birth certificate
- Permanent Resident Alien card
The associate will review your document and renew your license. Currently, a basic non-commercial driver's license costs $28 plus a $4 administrative fee.
2. Follow the Renewal Notice Instructions
An in-person renewal may not be required the second time your driver's license expires. If you're eligible for a mail or online renewal, the notice you receive will say so. Follow its instructions to expedite the process and keep your license up-to-date.
If you didn't receive a renewal notice in the mail (or lost it), you can always visit a Driver Services Center instead.
3. Consider Upgrading to a REAL ID
Tennessee supports REAL ID compliance. You'll know you have a REAL ID if there's a black star in the upper-right-hand corner of your license. It's worth getting a REAL ID since you may need it to board domestic U.S. flights or enter some federal buildings after May 7, 2025. There isn't an extra cost for the REAL ID credential.
Applying for Vehicle Titles in Tennessee
If you recently purchased or acquired a vehicle, you can title it in your name. Doing so gives you proof of ownership should you later sell it to someone else. It also facilitates registration. The local county clerk handles vehicle titling and duplicate titles.
New Vehicles
You'll need several documents to title a new vehicle:
- MSO
- Vehicle invoice
- Identification (like a driver's license)
- Two proofs of residency
The proof of residency should include your name and current Tennessee address. Utility bills, bank statements, and rental or mortgage contracts are acceptable. Other options include insurance policies and work-related documents, such as a pay stub.
Used Vehicles
If there was a previous owner for the vehicle, it's considered used for titling purposes. Apply for a title with these records:
- A valid certificate of title (signed by the previous owner and you)
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle is newer than the 2010 model year
- An identification document and two proofs of residency
You may need to complete the Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers if you obtained your current vehicle as a gift or from a family member. You can also request a duplicate title application if you lost the original.
Using Tennessee DMV Online Tools for Convenience
Major driving and vehicle-related transactions usually require an in-person visit to the Tennessee DMV. But there are plenty of activities you can take care of from home. Some examples include driver's license renewals, address changes, and knowledge test appointment scheduling.
For a complete list of online driver services, visit the Tennessee DMV's e-Services portal.
Tips for Streamlining Your Tennessee DMV Visit
Tennessee offers several unique ways to optimize your next DMV experience:
- Live wait times, which are viewable through the Tennessee DMV website
- Virtual e-tickets so you can place yourself in line before closing times
- Advance appointment time scheduling
Taking advantage of these tools can save you a lengthy wait.
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