Kentucky License, Tennessee Resident: You Must Switch Within 30 Days

If you live in Tennessee but still hold a Kentucky driver's license, you are legally a Tennessee resident for driving purposes and must obtain a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency.

What Counts as Residency?

• Renting/owning a home in Tennessee.
• Working in Tennessee (non-military).
• Registering to vote in Tennessee.
• Enrolling children in Tennessee schools.
• Any act demonstrating intent to make Tennessee your permanent home.

How to Transfer

1. Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center (DOS).
2. Bring:
   • Current KY license (surrendered).
   • Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate).
   • Proof of SSN (card, W-2, paystub).
   • Two proofs of TN residency (lease/mortgage, utility bill, bank statement, voter registration—dated within 4 months).
3. Pass vision screening.
4. Pay fee (~$28 for 8-year license).
5. No written/road test if KY license is valid/expired <1 year.

Why It Matters

• Driving on an out-of-state license past 30 days is a Class C misdemeanor.
• Insurance claims may be denied if residency mismatches.
• Voter registration requires TN license/ID.

Make the switch promptly—it's quick, cheap, and avoids legal headaches.