Moving to Tennessee? Prepare for These New Driver’s License Requirements!
Tennessee is stepping up its efforts to ensure road safety and prevent fraud. If you’re moving to Tennessee from nine specific states, you’ll now need to provide an extra document when applying for your driver’s license.
This new rule starts on January 10 and applies to drivers from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, Oklahoma, Vermont, and West Virginia.
According to Melody Rampy from Tennessee’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the change is all about security. “We’re trying to prevent fraud and also prioritize driver safety,” she said. The state’s goal is simple: one driver, one license.
The challenge lies in these nine states not being part of the State-to-State Verification Service (S2S), a national database that lets states share driving records electronically. This service helps Tennessee check if someone’s license is suspended elsewhere before issuing a new one.
Drivers from these states will now have to bring a copy of their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) when applying for a Tennessee license.
Although it may seem like an added hassle, Rampy assured residents that securing this document is relatively easy.
“We’ve seen drivers trying to transfer here with suspended licenses,” she said. “This step makes sure we’re not granting a valid license to someone who shouldn’t be driving.”
For families like the Seymores, this extra measure feels worth it. Shauna Seymore, whose son Shawn is learning to drive, said she values the added safety on the roads.
While this requirement might seem inconvenient for some, it reflects Tennessee’s commitment to safer roads. And for drivers wondering how long this change will last, Rampy explained that it’s temporary. Eventually, these states will join the S2S system, streamlining the process further.
Until then, if you’re planning to relocate to Tennessee, make sure to check the requirements early to avoid delays in getting your license.
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