Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Bill Gibbons, Commissioner

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 proof of identity 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.

The Temporary Identification 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 ONLY for identification purposes and not for legal operation of any type of motor vehicle.

In order to qualify for the Temporary Identification 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 proof of identity 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 Identification 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).

There are no testing requirements for issuance of the Temporary Identification License.

Please Note: All documents are subject to further verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit, temporary driver license or temporary identification license.

No photocopies will be accepted!

For a Temporary Driver License you will need:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Proof of authorized stay in the United States
• Primary Proof of Identity
• Secondary Proof of Identity
• Proof of any Name Changes if Different than name on Primary ID
• Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current. Must be dated within last 4 months.)
• A Social Security Number or sworn affidavit if no Social Security number has been issued.
• Print the Documentation Checklist (PDF) to assist you in ensuring you have all the required paperwork.

If you are under eighteen (18) years of age 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)

Search for a Driver Services Center by City

Search for a Driver Services Center by County

Search for a Driver Services Center by Service Offered

The Comprehensive Driver License Manual is designed for all current and potential drivers in Tennessee and will help new and old drivers alike get ready for initial, renewal, and other license applications by explaining:

• the different types of licenses available
• the documentation and other requirements for license applications
• details on Intermediate Driver Licenses and how this graduated driver license works for driver license applicants under age 18
• basic descriptions of the tests required for a Driver License

It also includes information needed to pass the knowledge tests for a Class D Tennessee driver license.

The Motorcycle Manual is available online or at Driver Service Centers statewide.