What You'll Submit to Get Your Tennessee License

Tennessee's driver's license process is a single form called the DL-44, and you'll complete it in person at a Driver Services office. You don't fill it out at home and mail it in — the form is available at the office, and staff will walk you through it while you're there. The process itself takes about five minutes to complete once you have your documents ready.

The DL-44 asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and basic information about your vision and medical history. You'll also declare whether you want to register as an organ donor. Tennessee does not allow you to submit the process online or by mail for a first-time license; you must appear in person at a Driver Services office.

Key Takeaways

  • You complete the DL-44 form at a Driver Services office, not beforehand, and staff will help you fill it out correctly.
  • Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency before you go, so the form matches your documents.
  • The form asks about your vision, medical conditions, and whether you've had any suspensions or revocations in other states.
  • After you submit the DL-44, you'll take a vision test and written knowledge test at the same office visit.

Documents You Need Before You Fill Out the Form

Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies — of your proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency. The DL-44 will ask you to list these documents, and staff will verify them before you leave. If any information on your documents doesn't match what you write on the form, the process will be rejected and you'll have to start over.

Your proof of identity must be a document issued by a government agency with your photo and signature — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. Your proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Your proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address and be dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement will work.

Information the Form Asks For

The DL-44 begins with your legal name, date of birth, and current address. Write your name exactly as it appears on your proof of identity. If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — so the form reflects your current legal name.

The form asks whether you wear corrective lenses and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, or sleep disorders, for example. Answer honestly. You'll also declare whether you've ever had a license suspended or revoked in Tennessee or any other state. If you have, you must disclose it; the form will ask for details about when and why.

Near the end, the form asks whether you want to register as an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your license. You'll also confirm that the information you've provided is true and sign the form in front of a Driver Services employee.

What Happens After You Submit the DL-44

Once you hand in the completed form, a staff member will review it to make sure all required fields are filled in and match your documents. If anything is missing or doesn't match, they'll ask you to correct it before you move forward. This is why bringing the right documents matters — mismatches cause delays.

After the form is accepted, you'll move to the vision screening station in the same office. You'll read letters on a chart to test your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day; you'll need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision certificate.

If you pass the vision test, you'll take the written knowledge test on a computer terminal at the office. This test covers Tennessee traffic laws and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you pass both the vision and knowledge tests on the same day, you'll move on to scheduling your road test.

Common Mistakes When Filling Out the DL-44

The most common error is writing your name differently than it appears on your proof of identity. If your legal name is "Robert James Smith" but you write "Bob Smith" on the form, it won't match your documents and the process will be rejected. Use your legal name exactly as the government document shows it.

Another frequent mistake is leaving the medical history section blank or answering "no" to all conditions when you actually have one. Staff will ask you directly about your health, and if your answers don't match what you told them, the process can be flagged. Be truthful about any condition that might affect your driving, even if you think it's minor.

Some people bring photocopies instead of originals or certified copies of their documents. Tennessee requires originals or certified copies for proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. A photocopy will not be accepted, and you'll have to go home and return with the correct documents.

If You've Lived in Tennessee Less Than 60 Days

If you've just moved to Tennessee and don't yet have a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days, you can use an affidavit of residency instead. This is a signed statement from a Tennessee resident who can confirm you live at your address. The affidavit form is available at any Driver Services office, and the person signing it must bring their own ID.

Alternatively, if you have an out-of-state driver's license, you can use that as your proof of identity and bring a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead that shows your Tennessee address. The letter must be dated within the last 60 days.

What to Bring on the Day You explore

Bring your original or certified proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a W-2 or 1099 if you don't. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement for residency. Bring your out-of-state driver's license if you have one — it helps speed up the process.

Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections on the form. Do not bring a completed DL-44 from home; the office will provide the form and staff will help you fill it out. Bring your payment method — Tennessee accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card for the license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else fill out the DL-44 for me?

No. You must complete the form yourself and sign it in front of a Driver Services employee. A parent or guardian can help you gather your documents and answer questions, but you must be the one writing and signing the form.

What if my address on my proof of residency doesn't match my ID?

Bring both documents and explain the situation to the staff member. If you've recently moved within Tennessee, bring your old ID and a new proof of residency. If the address mismatch is a mistake, bring a corrected document or an affidavit of residency signed by a Tennessee resident.

Do I have to answer the organ donor question?

The form asks the question, but you can answer "no" or leave it blank. Your choice does not affect whether you receive your license. If you want to register as a donor, you can also do so through the Tennessee Donor Registry after you get your license.

What if I make a mistake while filling out the DL-44?

Tell the staff member when ready. They can provide a new form and you can start over. Do not cross out or use white-out on the form — it will be rejected. The staff member will give you a fresh DL-44 to complete.

Can I submit the DL-44 by mail?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office to submit your process, take your vision test, and take your written test. All three steps happen on the same day at the office.