TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Tennessee Driver License
Tennessee gives newcomers 30 days to acquire a Tennessee driver license is required. Bring your current license or other acceptable ID to the nearest licensing office, along with legal proof of any name change, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. All new residents must pass the vision exam at the driver license station. If your out-of-state license is not in good standing or has been expired for more than six months, you must also take the knowledge and road skills exams. For more information on acceptable forms of ID, fees, or answers to questions, contact:
Tennessee Department of Safety
Driver License
Information 615-253-5221
Toll free 866-849-3548
http://state.tn.us/safety
Tennessee Vehicle Registration
To register and title vehicles in Tennessee, first file an application at the office of your county clerk. Shelby County residents will need to complete emissions testing prior to visiting the county clerk’s office. Bring the emissions “passed” certificate, the current out-of-state registration, and the title or contact information for the lien holder. Acceptable proof of identification and residency are also required. For further information or answers to questions, contact:
Tennessee Department of Revenue
Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division
Information 615-741-3101
Toll free 888-871-3171
http://www.tn.gov/revenue
MVIB Emissions Testing
Memphis Motor Vehicle Inspection Bureau
Memphis, TN 901-528-2904
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/vehicle-titling—registration/vehicle-registration/emissions-inspections.html
Tennessee Vehicle Safety Laws
The use of seat belts is the law in Tennessee. Drivers are responsible for themselves and for all child passengers less than age 18 but licensed passengers 16 or older will be ticketed instead of the driver. Children who are under one year of age and weigh 20 pounds or less, regardless of age, must be property secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. Children between one and three years of age who weigh more than 20 pounds must be secured in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system. Children between four and eight years old who are less than 4-feet, 9-inches tall must use a belt positioning booster seat system, preferably in the rear seat of the vehicle. For more information, contact:
Governor’s Highway Safety Office
Information 615-741-2589
Toll free 800-99-BELTS
www.tdot.state.tn.us/ghso
Tennessee Watercraft Registration
All powered vessels and sailboats used in Tennessee waters must be registered at the county clerk’s office or through the dealer where you purchased the boat. Upon registration, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will provide a pocket-sized certificate of number and decals, showing the vessel number and expiration date. For more information, contact your county clerk or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Licenses 615-781-6585
Boating Info 615-781-6682
www.tennessee.gov/twra
Mississippi Driver License
New residents have 60 days to apply for a Mississippi driver license at their nearest driver license office. Bring acceptable proof of identification and proof of residency, your social security card, and legal birth certificate. If you hold a valid license from another state, you will only have to pass the vision exam. If your license is not in good standing or has expired, the written and road skill exams must also be passed. Mississippi requires liability insurance but does not enforce this through vehicle registration. However, you will be ticketed for non-compliance if stopped. For complete information including office locations and fees or answers to questions, contact:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Highway Patrol Driver Services
Information 601-987-1200
www.dps.state.ms.us
Mississippi Vehicle Registration
Newcomers to the state have 30 days to register and title their vehicles at the county tax collector’s office. Bring the vehicle you wish to register, proof of insurance, current registration and title, or contact information for the lien holder in addition to personal identification. Mississippi imposes a privilege tax, registration fees, ad valorem taxes, and possible sales/use taxes. Various state-approved private businesses provide required annual inspections at a nominal cost, including auto mechanic shops, car dealers, and tire stores. For more information, contact:
Mississippi State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Licensing
Information 601-923-7000
Inspections 601-987-1251
www.dor.ms.gov
Mississippi Watercraft Registration
Boats must be registered with the state through the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It is possible to download the application but they are also available through local marinas, boat dealers, tax collectors, and stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses. For more information, contact:
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Information 601-432-2400
www.mdwfp.com
Mississippi Vehicle Safety Laws
Every driver and all front-seat passengers must wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system. State law also requires that all children under four years of age be properly secured in federally approved child safety systems. Children who are at least four years old but less than eight must be property secured in a seat belt system approved for their age and weight requirements, regardless of their position in the vehicle. For more information, contact:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Information 601-987-1200
www.dps.state.ms.us
