Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen: Depending on the U.S. states you will visit, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as a driver's license from your country to drive legally and/or rent a vehicle. Check the rental company's policies and other requirements in advance. You must get an IDP before your trip. The U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. https://www.usa.gov/non-citizen-driving

Tennessee State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered.

Members of the armed services can title, register, and transfer and renew registrations of their vehicles in the county where they are based. All transactions are done through the local county clerk. If Tennessee is listed as your home of record but you have no physical presence in the state, you can submit your application to any county clerk office.

If a person holds a valid Tennessee license and is in the United States Armed Forces, that license shall remain valid regardless of the displayed expiration date as long as: the person remains on active duty; and is based outside the State of Tennessee, and the license is not surrendered, canceled or suspended. A Member of the National Guard and family members of military personnel are not eligible for this provision. While on active duty and stationed outside of Tennessee, military personnel may have a “Code 30” placed on the license to indicate that the license does not expire. To add this code, bring a copy of your military orders and proper identification to the driver license service center and pay the appropriate fees or submit by mail. Renewals and duplicates can also be handled through the mail with the proper documents and fees.
Once the person has been discharged or separated from such services or has been reassigned to a duty station within the state, he or she must renew his/her license within sixty (60) days following the date of separation on the DD214 form or reassignment to Tennessee.
NOTE: Assignment to Fort Campbell Army Base (located in both Tennessee and Kentucky) is considered reassignment back to Tennessee.

Please note that military personnel may have to pay county wheel taxes. Also, verify with your local county clerk whether your county requires emissions testing prior to vehicle registration and renewal.

Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

The Pass and ID section is located in Building 938 at the NSA Mid-South main gate. Vehicle registration is conducted during normal working hours.

The following information is required for vehicle registration:

• Current proof of insurance
• Valid driver's license
• DOD identification card
• Borrowed vehicle drivers must present a notarized authorization letter from the vehicle's owner.
• Rental vehicles drivers must present a current rental agreement in the driver's name.
• Personnel residing in housing not on active duty or retired will be required to submit vehicle information to the base housing office. The housing office will conduct background checks and submit paperwork to Pass and ID for passes. At no time will general base access be granted to non-military affiliated personnel.

All personnel and their vehicles entering NSA Mid-South are subject to inspection by Security Force Personnel and/or Military Working Dogs.

Traffic -- Seat belts are mandatory. Child seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 40 pounds. The speed limit on base is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted; 15 MPH through housing areas and 5 MPH in all parking lots.

Vehicle Checks -- Random vehicle checks are held daily.

Special Vehicle Checks -- Courtesy checks are performed by Security Personnel at Building S-237. Call 901-874-5533 to schedule an appointment.

Accidents -- Onboard station, it is mandatory that all vehicle accidents are reported to Security.

Radar Detectors--The operation of radar detectors and jammers on base is prohibited.  Violators will be ticketed and the device confiscated.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. TN State law requires that:

• Children under one (1) year of age, or any child, weighing twenty (20) pounds or less, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system in a rear facing position, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards, in a rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer's instructions. (Note: If the child safety seat has a higher rear-facing weight rating, usually 30 or 35 pounds, it may be continued to be used in a rear-facing position so long as the child's weight permits. Check the manufacturers instructions accompanying the child safety seat for more information.)
• Children age one (1) through age three (3), and weighing more than twenty (20) pounds, must be secured in a child safety seat in a forward facing position in the rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
• Children age four (4) through age eight (8), and measuring less than four feet nine inches (4'9") in height, must be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards in the rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer's instructions. (Note: If the child is not between age four (4) and age eight (8), but is less than four feet nine inches (4'9") in height, he/she must still use a seat belt system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.)
• Children age nine (9) through age twelve (12), or any child through twelve (12) years of age, measuring four feet nine inches (4'9") or more in height, must be secured in a seat belt system. It is recommended that any such child be placed in the rear seat, if available. (Note: If the child is not between age nine (9) and age twelve (12), but is four feet nine inches (4'9") or more in height, he/she must still use a seat belt system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.)
• Children age thirteen (13) through age fifteen (15) must be secured by using a passenger restraint system, including safety belts, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.
• Provision is made for the transportation of children in medically prescribed modified child restraints. A copy of Doctor's prescription is to be carried in the vehicle utilizing the modified child restraint at all times.
• The driver of the car is responsible for making sure that children under age sixteen (16) are properly restrained and may be charged and fined $50.00 for violation of the law. If the child's parent or legal guardian is present in the car but not driving, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for making sure that the child is properly transported and may be fined for non-compliance.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information. NSA Mid-South regulations require the use of an approved D.O.T. helmet, proper outerwear, long sleeves, pants and boots to operate a motorcycle on base. A reflective vest is required to operate a motorcycle during the hours of darkness. Personnel assigned to NSA Mid-South are required to complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Course every 3 years before registering a motorcycle on base.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. The use of cell phones, including in-ear hands hands-free devices, while driving on base is prohibited. Violators will be ticketed.