The Temporary Driver License is issued to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and for a specific period of time.  Qualifying applicants will be issued a photo license document  valid for both driving and identification purposes.

This license is available for the operation of regular passenger vehicles under 26,000 pounds GVWR (Class XD) and for the operation of motorcycles, motor scooters or motor driven cycles (Class XM).  The Temporary Driver License is NOT available for commercial vehicles requiring the CDL Class A, B or C.

In order to qualify for the Temporary Driver License, the applicant will be required to provide the department with proof of temporary legal presence and authorized stay in the United States.  Such proof must indicate the applicant’s length of authorized stay in the United States.

Applicants will also need to provide the department with:

• Two (2) acceptable identification documents. 
• Legal proof of name change (i.e. certified marriage certificate, certified final divorce decree, etc.) will be required if the name on the identification documents does not match the federal document used for proof of temporary legal presence.
• If the applicant wishes to have the Temporary Driver License issued in a name different that what appears on the federal documents proof confirming that the name change has already been submitted to the federal agency will also be required.
• Two (2) proofs of Tennessee residency.
• Proof of social security number (or sworn affidavit if no SSN has been issued).

The applicant will also have to successfully pass the required vision, knowledge and skills tests where applicable.

PLEASE NOTE:  All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your temporary driver license or temporary identification license.

All documents must be original or certified documents.  No photocopies or faxes will be accepted!

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For a Temporary Driver License OR Temporary Identification License you will need:

• Proof of Temporary Legal Presence and Authorized Stay in the United States
• Primary Proof of Identification
• Secondary Proof of Identification
• Proof of any Name Changes if different than name on Legal Presence or Primary ID documents
• Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current = dated within last 4 months)

If you are under eighteen (18) years of age and requesting the Temporary Driver License you will need the above documents plus:

• Teenage Affidavit/Financial Responsibility
• Proof of school attendance/progress
• Certification of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience (SF-1256)

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