Residents from these states need certain documents when applying for TN driver’s license

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will soon require certain documents from residents of nine states when applying for a Tennessee driver’s license.

Starting Jan. 10, 2025, new or returning Tennessee residents with a license from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, Oklahoma, Vermont, or West Virginia must present a Motor Vehicle Record from their former state when applying for a Tennessee license.

All other states, including the Volunteer State, participate in the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ State-to-State Verification Service, which allows participating states to electronically access the complete driver history record of anyone applying for a driver’s license. This means individuals moving from one of those 41 participating states won’t need to have an MVR to qualify for a Tennessee license.

“Through the S2S system, states can share real-time information about individual drivers, including convictions and license withdrawals. By providing a driver’s complete history, states can reduce the risk of fraud and improve safety by keeping dangerous drivers off the roads. Additionally, S2S enhances accuracy and reduces the processing time for obtaining a new credential in Tennessee,” the department said in a media release.

So, after the implementation date, individuals from the nine non-participating states must obtain an MVR from their former state before applying for a Tennessee driver’s license or ID.

“The MVR must have been issued within 30 days before its presentation at a Driver Services Center. This MVR is required alongside other necessary documents to apply for a Tennessee credential,” the department added.