Moving to Tennessee
About 203,200 people moved to Tennessee from other states in 2023.
- California sent about 24,000 and Florida about 21,200.
- Texas sent about 14,600, Georgia about 12,600, New York about 11,400, and Illinois about 9,600.
- You have 30 days after you establish residency to get a Tennessee driver license.
- You also have 30 days after the move to register your car.
- The Department of Safety handles the license, and your county clerk handles the car.
- This page covers every Tennessee-destination route we track.
Tennessee at a Glance
Taxes
Climate
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Cost of Living
Why People Move to Tennessee
Tennessee does not tax wages or salaries.
- The Hall tax on interest and dividends ended for tax periods starting in 2021.
- General sales taxes bring in 46.7 percent of state and local tax revenue.
- The Tax Foundation lists a 7.00 percent state rate and an average combined state and local rate of 9.61 percent.
- Property tax is lower, with a 0.52 percent effective rate on owner-occupied homes.
- Counties and cities set the rates, and residential property is assessed at 25 percent of its appraised value.
The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 88.9, ranked 9th, with housing at 80.3.
- Electricity is the exception.
- In EIA 2024 data, the average Tennessee home used about 1,154 kWh a month, against about 863 nationally.
- The price per kWh was lower, about 12.4 cents against about 16.5 cents.
- So the average bill came to about $143, close to the national average of about $142.
Popular Routes Moving to Tennessee
After 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 VoteTennessee DMV & Registration
Two agencies handle the two steps.
- For the license, go to a full-service Driver Services Center.
- Bring proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
- Surrender your out-of-state license there.
- For the car, go to the county clerk in the county where you live.
- Bring your most current out-of-state registration.
- Also bring your lender name and address, or your out-of-state title if you have no loan.
- You do not need an emissions test.
- State law ended vehicle emissions testing after the EPA approved the change in 2021.
- Davidson County ran its own program and stopped requiring tests on February 5, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to get a Tennessee driver license after moving?
30 days after you establish residency.
- Go to a full-service Driver Services Center and surrender your out-of-state license.
- If you are transferring a license from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, or West Virginia, also bring a Motor Vehicle Record from that state.
- You take a vision screening.
- If your old license expired more than six months ago, you also take the knowledge and road tests.
What documents do I need to transfer my driver license to Tennessee?
Bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, one proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
- Residency proofs must be dated within the last four months unless the list says otherwise.
- A utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage contract works.
- A lease counts only with a signed landlord letter dated within 30 days.
- Bring originals or certified copies.
- You can upload the documents online for pre-approval, which takes up to five business days.
How do I register my car when I move to Tennessee?
Register 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 not, bring your out-of-state title.
- From January 1, 2027, you must also show proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence for initial registration of certain vehicles.
How much does it cost to register a car in Tennessee?
The state fee for a standard passenger plate is $26.50.
- Your county clerk may add local fees, so check with the county.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles pay an extra fee on top of the standard one.
- For an all-electric vehicle, it is $200 for renewals before January 1, 2027, and $274 during 2027.
- For a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, it is $100 until January 1, 2028.
What car insurance do I need in Tennessee?
At least $25,000 for each injury or death and $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in one accident.
- You also need $25,000 for property damage.
- Tennessee checks insurance electronically, and uninsured drivers can get fines and lose their registration.
- Your policy does not have to be from Tennessee.
- Insurers report only Tennessee policies to the state, so if you get a notice, answer it with your declaration page.
When is the voter registration deadline in Tennessee?
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 at the Department of Safety when you get your license.
- Cancel your registration in your old state.