Application Form
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Tennessee Learner Permit Application Form: Completion, Signatures, and Error Corrections
Tennessee learner permit The main driver license application is completed electronically through Tennessee's e-Services portal or at a Driver Services Center kiosk. Applicants under 18 who have not graduated also use the SF-1010 Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance. Applicants who already graduated use a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate instead.
What Is the Tennessee SF-1010 Form Required for Teen Permit Applicants?
SF-1010 is the Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance for applicants under 18 who have not already graduated. If you have graduated, bring your high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate instead.
- Who uses SF-1010: Under-18 applicants who have not graduated
- Who does not need SF-1010: Under-18 applicants who can show a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate
- Validity: The school-completed form is valid for 30 days
Use Tennessee's current school-attendance form and instructions from tn.gov.
What Happens If Your SF-1010 Expires Before Your Permit Appointment?
Get a new school-completed SF-1010 before the visit. Tennessee says the school-attendance form is valid for only 30 days, so an expired form should not be used for the permit application. See Tennessee's school-attendance requirements.
How to Fill Out the Tennessee Learner Permit Application
The permit process can involve three different items. They serve different purposes and should not be treated as one form.
| Item | Who Completes It | When It Is Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic driver license application | The applicant | For the driver license or permit application; complete it through e-Services or at the center. |
| SF-1010 school attendance form | School and applicant/family as required by the form | For an applicant under 18 who has not graduated. It is valid for 30 days. |
| Minor/Teenage Affidavit | Parent, qualifying responsible adult, or legal guardian under Tennessee's rules | For a teen applicant when the minor financial-responsibility affidavit is required. |
Enter the applicant's legal information exactly as it appears on the supporting documents. If you use the online application, review the entries before submission and bring the supporting forms that apply to your age and school status.
Can Parents Fill Out the Tennessee Permit Application?
The applicant remains responsible for the driver license application. A parent or qualifying responsible adult handles the separate minor-affidavit responsibilities required for an under-18 applicant.
If the teen has not graduated, the family also needs the school-completed SF-1010. If the teen has graduated, use the diploma or G.E.D. certificate instead.
Who Can Sign the Minor Permit Forms If a Parent Cannot Attend?
A parent, a stepparent living at the same address, or a legal guardian may sign the Minor/Teenage Affidavit and assume financial responsibility. If that adult cannot come to the Driver Services Center, the signature must be notarized. Tennessee also allows a grandparent to assume responsibility when the required notarized authorization is provided. See Tennessee's Minor/Teenage Affidavit rules.
How to Fix Mistakes on a Tennessee Learner Permit Application
Correct errors before submission. Once submitted electronically at a kiosk, you cannot edit the application yourself - immediately inform the Driver Services representative so they can void the incorrect application and restart the process.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Expired SF-1010 when that form is required (school signature older than 30 days) | Application cannot use the expired school form | Get a new form signed within 30 days of the visit |
| Missing notarization on the required Minor/Teenage Affidavit when the responsible adult is absent | Cannot complete the minor-affidavit step | Follow Tennessee's notarization rules for the Minor/Teenage Affidavit |
| Name mismatch (nickname vs. legal name on birth certificate) | Application halted for verification | Use full legal name only - a Nashville applicant using "Mike" instead of "Michael" caused a 30-minute manager override delay |
Bring backup proof of residency like a recent teller-stamped bank statement. If your primary utility bill shows a minor address discrepancy, the backup prevents rejection and rescheduling at high-volume offices like the Jackson center.
If your permit contains errors after issuance, check the permit correction process.
Is the Tennessee Learner Permit Application Digital or Paper?
The main driver license application is electronic. Supporting documents depend on the applicant.
- Electronic: Complete the driver license application through e-Services or at a Driver Services Center.
- Under 18 and not graduated: Bring the current SF-1010 school attendance form.
- Under 18 and already graduated: Bring the high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate instead of SF-1010.
- Minor applicant: Complete the separate Minor/Teenage Affidavit requirements.
Where Do You Submit Your Tennessee Learner Permit Application?
Complete the electronic application through Tennessee e-Services or at the Driver Services Center, then present the supporting documents and forms that apply to you during the required in-person process.
For appointment scheduling, walk-ins, rescheduling, and center-specific visit details, use the Tennessee appointment guide.
LAST MODIFIED:JUN 12, 2026
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