Obtaining a Tennessee Driver’s License
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES
Jones Hall 111 | Phone: 615-898-2282 | [email protected]
Where To Go: (Rutherford County)
Rutherford County Driver Testing Center
1035 Samsonite Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: 615-898-8036
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
http://www.tn.gov/safety/section/dlmain
When To Go:
Go when they are least busy. Generally, before 11:00 am the lines are shorter. Avoid lunch hour
or right after lunch. They stop receiving new applicants early most days and road tests must be
scheduled online in advance. Be aware, it may be two months before you can get a road test
scheduled.
What To Bring: (Bring originals – copies will not be accepted.)
1. Your I-20 or DS-2019. They must have at least one year, from the date of application, of
authorized stay remaining. If you have less than one year of authorized stay remaining,
you will not be issued a license or have your license renewed;
2. Your passport;
3. Valid visa; your visa MUST be valid to obtain a Tennessee driver’s license. You cannot
obtain one if your visa is expired;
4. MTSU student ID card with your picture and M-number on it; and,
5. Proof of residency (your local mailing address in Tennessee). PO Boxes cannot be used
as proof of residency. They need an actual street address. You can use an electric bill,
phone bill, cell phone bill, etc. If you live in a dorm on campus, you must show the
address, 1301 E. Main St, your dorm name and number, then your MTSU PO Box,
Murfreesboro, TN 37132, and your dorm phone number. Other proofs can be found at:
http://www.tn.gov/safety/article/dlproof.
What To Know:
Study the driver’s book ( http://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/safety/attachments/DL_Manual.pdf).
Both the knowledge test and road test will go more smoothly if you spend time reviewing this
manual and spend time on the road with an experienced driver before you apply. Be sure to bring
a proper vehicle to the road test. All safety equipment must work (horn, lights, seat belts, brakes,
turn signals, and windshield wipers). The vehicle registration must also be current. Bring a
vehicle that you are familiar with driving.
There will be a fee to obtain the driver’s license. A regular operator’s license costs $19.50, so go
prepared to pay with cash, a personal check, or credit card. Please be aware that the license does
have an expiration date. Be sure you keep your license valid.
(Over)
Obtaining a Tennessee Driver’s License
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES
Jones Hall 111 | Phone: 615-898-2282 | [email protected]
Vehicle Registration
Please contact Vehicle Registration upon purchase of a vehicle or for license plate renewal or
transfer. Their address is:
Vehicle Registration
319 N. Maple St
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: 615-898-7800
http://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/countyclerk
An emission test will be required for all newly purchased vehicles, or transfer or renewal of
license plates.
Be sure to purchase automobile insurance. There are various insurance agencies from which to
purchase automobile insurance, but as an example, State Farm Insurance is one company that is
local. Automobile insurance is extremely important and you need to have your vehicle covered
in case of accident. Having automobile insurance can save you thousands of dollars should you
be involved in an accident. There is generally a deductible you pay and the insurance payments
are generally due every 6 months.
