What you need to bring to the DMV

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's licenses at their Driver Services Centers across the state. To get a license, you'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all in original form or certified copies.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access.

You'll also need to complete Form DL-44, the Tennessee Driver License process. You can fill this out before you go or at the Driver Services Center. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — the staff will collect it when you're issued your Tennessee license.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number; copies must be certified by the issuing agency.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Tennessee traffic laws before you receive a license.
  • First-time drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test.
  • Driver Services Centers are open during business hours at multiple locations; you do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • A Tennessee driver's license costs between $27 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid.

The vision test and written exam

At the Driver Services Center, you'll take a vision screening first. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the test while wearing them.

Next comes the written knowledge test. You'll answer questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and covers material in the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which you can read online at the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or pick up at any Driver Services Center. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

The road test for first-time drivers

If you've never held a driver's license in any state, you must take a road test. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, parking, stopping at signs, and merging. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Before you can take the road test, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days. To get a learner's permit, pass the vision test and written exam at a Driver Services Center. You'll pay a separate fee for the permit. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat with you.

If you're under 18, you must also complete a driver education course — either classroom instruction or online — before you can get a learner's permit. The course teaches the rules of the road and safe driving habits. Once you've completed the course, passed the written test, and held your permit for 30 days, you can schedule a road test appointment.

Drivers who already hold a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written exam or road test. You still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you still need to pass the vision test. Fill out Form DL-44 and bring your current out-of-state license.

Your out-of-state license will be collected when you receive your Tennessee license. The cost is the same as for a first-time license. Processing takes a few minutes if all your documents are in order.

License types and validity periods

Tennessee offers several types of driver's licenses. A standard license lets you drive a regular passenger car. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work — this involves additional testing and training. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle and requires passing a separate test.

You can choose how long your license is valid: 4 years, 5 years, or 8 years. The longer the validity period, the higher the cost. An 8-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less often. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they're set to expire.

Where to find a Driver Services Center and what to expect

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Centers are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. A few locations are open on Saturday mornings.

You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours, bring your documents, and wait your turn. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and how busy the location is. Mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays. If you want to check how busy a center is before you go, some locations post real-time wait times online.

Renewing your Tennessee driver's license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it at a Driver Services Center or online through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical conditions that might affect your driving.

If you renew online, you'll pay a lower fee and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you'll take a new vision test and pay the standard fee. You do not need to retake the written exam or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the staff at the Driver Services Center which language you need when you arrive.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts, and you pay a fee each time you test. Study the handbook or practice with a licensed driver before your next attempt.

Do I need to take a road test if I'm moving from another state?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written exam or road test. You only need to pass the vision test and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

How much does a Tennessee driver's license cost?

The cost depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. Learner's permits and road tests have separate fees. Exact amounts vary slightly, so check the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for current pricing.

What happens if I move to a different Tennessee county?

You do not need to get a new license. Your Tennessee license is valid statewide. You only need to update your address if you move. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services Center.