Obtaining a Driver License and State ID
Obtaining a Driver’s License
Automobiles – Because public transportation is limited in Nashville, you may want to consider purchasing a car, although many students and scholars are fine without one. In order to drive a car, you have to get a driver license issued by the state of Tennessee – even if you have an international driver’s license.
Driver’s licenses are obtainable from Tennessee Department of Safety offices (often referred to as the Department of Motor Vehicles – DMV). To obtain one, you must pass a vision test, a written test examining your knowledge of Tennessee’s traffic rules, and a road test (driving test). You can study the traffic rules and regulations from the official website of the Tennessee Department of Safety, as listed above.
You will have to wait at least 10 business days after entry into the U.S. and after your SEVIS check-in before you can apply. You do not need a SSN to apply.
To take practice written tests, please visit DMV Permit Test here. No sign up or information is needed to take them!
The road test (driving test) takes about 10 minutes. There is no parking test except when you actually park your car at the end of the test. However, you should allow a full day to take the test as the testing centers are usually very crowded, and it’s hard to predict wait times.
NOTE: Students and Scholars who have a valid Driver’s License from South Korea, Canada, Taiwan or China may be exempt from taking the written test and road test. To be eligible for possible exemption, individuals must have a translated driving abstract (usually obtained from their embassy) to show to the Department of Motor Vehicles as proof.
Driving in Tennessee
The rules of the road in Tennessee may be quite different than that with which you are accustomed in your home country. Please note the following important instructions:
- Buckle up. It is illegal and strictly enforced in Tennessee to drive without your seatbelt.
- Use your turning signal. Before changing lanes and turning, you must use your turning signal.
- Right on Red. You may turn right at all red lights unless it is specifically marked otherwise.
- Never drink and drive. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and has drastic consequences.
- Educate yourself. To be sure that your driving etiquette is acceptable in Tennessee, please refer to the Driver License Manual.
Special Notes for Nonimmigrants
- If seeking a driver’s license for a dependent, he or she must provide their own documentation as described above. You should also include proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate. The office will verify that your visa’s duration time matches.
- Be consistent with paperwork. Be sure that you understand the meaning of Family Name/Surname/Last Name versus First Name and enter these names consistently in every form (many errors derive from mistakes in paperwork). If the English alphabet is not used by your mother tongue, make sure the transliteration is understandable and consistently used. Please note that the computer systems do not recognize accentuation and letters like ñ or é.
- If you encounter a problem when applying for a driver’s license, be sure that you understand what the nature of the problem is. You may want to ask to speak to a supervisor. You can also contact your ISSS advisor for assistance.
- Starting on May 7, 2025, your driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant to be able to use it to board a domestic flight in the U.S. There are some additional requirements for obtaining a REAL ID. If you do not get a REAL ID-compliant license, you will not be able to use your license to board a domestic flight (you will need to use your passport instead). However, you will still be able to use your non-REAL ID license to drive and to show as a general ID. For more information, please consult this page.
Test Centers
624 Hart Lane Nashville, TN 37216
Tel: 615-532-9780
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/davidson.html
5216 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch, TN 37013
Tel: 615-770-5701, 741-6925
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/locations/davidson5.html
Obtaining a State ID Card
If you are not planning to drive, but would like some form of alternative ID to carry with you, you can apply for a Tennessee state ID card. A state ID card can be used as identification for flying within the U.S., so that you do not need to carry your passport with you all the time.
The process to apply for a state ID is the same as the process to apply for a driver’s license, except that you do not need to take any test. You must apply in-person at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Please refer to their website for details on the required documentation to take with you when you go.
Your state ID will be valid through the end date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Please note: Starting on May 7, 2025, your state ID must be REAL ID-compliant to be able to use it to board a domestic flight in the U.S. There are some additional requirements for obtaining a REAL ID. If you do not get a REAL ID-compliant license, you will not be able to use your license to board a domestic flight (you will need to use your passport instead). For more information, please consult this page.