Moving from Washington to Tennessee
Moving from Washington to Tennessee is a long-haul, cross-country move of about 2,487 miles. At that distance most people hire professional movers and fly to their new home — this checklist covers every step of a long-distance relocation.
Generate My ChecklistWA vs TN at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Lower cost of living
Tennessee is about 22% cheaper than Washington overall, so your budget should stretch noticeably further — especially on housing.
Before You Leave Washington
Check whether a capital gains sale counts as Washington income
Washington has no individual income tax, so there is no part-year return to file. It does tax long-term capital gains at 7 percent, after a standard deduction of $278,000 for 2025. Since 2025, gains above $1 million pay an extra 2.9 percent. The tax applies only to gains allocated to Washington. Under RCW 82.87.100, a gain from stock or other intangible property is allocated here if you were domiciled in Washington on the sale date. File a return if you owe the tax. Also file one if you made a payment or asked for an extension, even with no tax due.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Capital gains taxOpt in within one year to keep WA Cares coverage
WA Cares is the state long-term care program funded from your paycheck. To keep it after you move, opt in within one year of setting up your main home in another state. You need 500 contributing hours a year for three years since July 1, 2023, and no active exemption. Out-of-state benefits start July 1, 2030. You then file a wage report every year. If you stop reporting or paying, coverage ends and cannot be reinstated.
Source: WA Cares Fund, Out-of-State CoverageDispose of your Washington plates
Take old plates to a vehicle licensing office or mail them to DOL. You can also recycle them if your recycler accepts plates. Remove or invalidate the month and year tabs first, then bend the plates. Personalized plates and some special plates must go back to DOL. You cannot recycle those.
Source: Washington DOL, Dispose of old platesAsk for a refund if you renewed your registration before you moved
You may get your registration fee back if you moved the vehicle out before the new registration period began. Mail the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Application to DOL. Include a copy of your new out-of-state registration that shows the VIN and the issue date. A refund takes 1 to 3 months.
Source: Washington DOL, RefundsFile a Report of Sale within 5 days if you sell the vehicle
If you sell the vehicle before you move, file a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale. This protects you from tolls, tickets, and towing charges the new owner runs up. Remove the plates before the buyer drives away.
Source: Washington DOL, Sell a vehicleCancel your Washington voter registration
You can be registered at only one address. To cancel, sign the cancellation form and return it to your county elections office by mail or email. The state needs your signature. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Residency RequirementsAfter You Arrive in Tennessee
Get a Tennessee driver license within 30 days
Get your Tennessee license no later than 30 days after you establish residency. Go to a full-service Driver Services Center. Surrender your out-of-state license there, because Tennessee does not let a resident hold two licenses. You take a vision screening. If your old license expired more than six months ago, you also take the knowledge and road tests.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety, New ResidentsBring original documents to the Driver Services Center
Bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence and one proof of your Social Security number. Also bring two proofs of Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within four months. Photocopies are not accepted. You can upload the documents online first for pre-approval. Allow up to five business days for that.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety, New ResidentsTitle and register your vehicle at the county clerk within 30 days
Register your vehicle within 30 days of the move. Apply for the title and registration at the county clerk in the county where you live. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your most current out-of-state registration. If you have a loan, bring the lender name and address. If you do not, bring your out-of-state title.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Initial RegistrationBring proof of citizenship or lawful presence from January 1, 2027
From January 1, 2027, Tenn. Code Ann. 55-4-144 adds a document to initial registrations of certain vehicles. You must show that you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or lawfully present for a set period. The Department of Revenue lists the accepted documents. Check the list before your county clerk visit.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Initial RegistrationCarry at least 25/50/25 liability insurance
Tennessee requires at least $25,000 for each injury or death and $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in one accident. It also requires $25,000 for property damage. The state checks insurance electronically. Uninsured drivers can get fines and lose their vehicle registration.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Financial Responsibility LawRegister to vote at least 30 days before an election
You must be registered no later than 30 days before the election. A mailed form counts if it is postmarked at least 30 days before. Register online, or mail the form to your county election commission. You can also register when you get your license.
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, How to Register to VoteYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 2,487 miles (~45 hours of driving), most people book professional long-distance movers and fly rather than drive. Reserve movers 6–8 weeks out, especially in summer.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Tennessee DMV, register to vote in TN, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
Tennessee
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Washington
Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Washington to Tennessee?
The driving distance from Washington to Tennessee is approximately 2,487 miles — about 45 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Washington to Tennessee?
A professional interstate move from Washington to Tennessee typically costs between $5,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Washington and Tennessee?
Washington has a cost of living index of 114.6 versus 88.9 for Tennessee (US average = 100).
- Overall, Tennessee is about 22% lower than Washington.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Tennessee?
After establishing residency in Tennessee, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Tennessee DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Tennessee DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- The annual average temperature is 59°F, with about 55 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $143.