NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Further changes and updates were announced today regarding Driver Services Centers and license renewals in the state of Tennessee, as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), Driver Services Centers will remain open; however, updates have been added to the DMV changes announced last week.
The expiration of commercial driver licenses (CDL) and commercial driving permits (CDLP) have been extended. If set to expire between March 12 and May 18, these licenses are extended until June 30.
A Med-Cert extension has also been enacted for all CDL holders with a medical card that is set to expire between March 12 and May 18. CDL holders have until June 30 to submit their new Med-Cert to TDOSHS. This particular extension is available to anyone with a CDL who has a medical card that is currently valid for more than 90 days.
All non-CDL licenses will expire six months from the date they were originally set to expire. This does not apply to anybody who has a Class X License. Additionally, there is a suspension on all non-CDL knowledge and skill tests until May 18.
New Tennessee residents no longer have to obtain a Tennessee driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident. That requirement has been extended to June 17.
Finally, Tennessee is temporarily suspending the issuance of REAL ID from March 25 through May 18.
With these changes, service centers will still be able to process new and returning residents, photo ID licenses, reinstatements, handgun carry permits, CDL knowledge and skills tests and renewal and duplicate transactions for non-U.S. citizens with legal presence.
Use the Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security's online services if possible.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
