TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
New residents are required to obtain a Tennessee driver license and register/title all vehicles. No grace period is given for title and registration, although you have 30 days to apply for and obtain a driver license.
Driver Licenses
Bring your out-of-state license to the nearest driver licensing station along with proof of Tennessee residency. This proof can take a number of forms, but must meet specific criteria. Original, current documents written in English must include either your name or your spouse’s name, or the name of a parent or legal guardian in the case of a minor. The residence address used on the application is also required. Common documents for this purpose are rental or mortgage contracts, bank statements, and utility bills.
Only a vision screen exam is required for newcomers with valid, current licenses. Those holding expired licenses must also take a written knowledge exam and a driving test. Licenses are issued for 3-7 years based on your age at the time of application with pro-rated fees. For answers to specific questions, contact the Department of Safety. The following licensing stations are available in the metropolitan area:
Tennessee Department of Safety
Driver License Issuance Division
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville 615-741-3954
http://tn.gov/safety
Directory of License Stations
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/business/licenses-permits.html
Graduated Licenses
Those applying for their first license or a learner’s permit must also provide official documents proving age and identity (as well as proof of any name changes since birth), and Social Security number of affidavit affirming that no SSN has ever been issued. Drivers under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign a minor/teenage affidavit, prove school attendance and comply with the graduated driver license procedures. Effective July 1, 2001, a graduated licensing went into effect that places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 with learner’s permits and driver licenses. For details, consult the Department of Safety.
Insurance & Financial Responsibility
Tennessee does not require liability insurance by law, but residents are subject to the state’s Financial Responsibility Law. This law protects the public from financially irresponsible drivers who become involved in an accident, as well as from drivers who have repeated violations and disregard the law. Vehicle owners should carry liability insurance, since an officer can request evidence of financial responsibility if a driver is charged with any moving violation or is involved in an accident without regard to fault. Driving privileges can be suspended if no liability insurance is in effect.
Vehicle Registration & Titling
The county clerk handles vehicle registration and titling for the Department of Safety. Required documents include your current registration and certificate of title, which will serve as the ownership document and registration until the new certificate of title is prepared and mailed to you or the lien holder. Charges include an $8 title fee, a $24 passenger vehicle registration fee and $1 mailing fee. Most counties and some cities also require payment of a wheel tax, although the amount varies. For answers to specific questions, contact your county clerk’s office:
Hamilton County
625 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga 423-209-6525
http://www.countyclerkanytime.com
Seat Belt Regulations
As the first state in the nation to pass a child restraint law in 1978, Tennessee maintains strict standards of safety. The state has made compliance a “primary enforcement” for children and teens through age 17. Primary enforcement allows an officer to ticket the driver for non-compliance without first issuing another citation. Today’s law requires the following:
* Driver and all passengers in the front seat must wear a seat belt, regardless of age.
* Children under the age of four must be properly restrained in an approved child restraint device (primary enforcement).
* Children ages 4 through 17 must wear a seat belt no matter where they are sitting in a vehicle (primary enforcement).
