What you need to bring to the DMV

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's licenses. To get one, you'll visit a Driver Services Center in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this process online or by mail.

Bring proof of your Tennessee residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your identity. Residency proof can be 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, W-2 form, or tax return. For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of residency, Social Security number, and identity.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free manual on the TDOSHS website.
  • The road test happens at the same location on the same day or a scheduled follow-up appointment, depending on the center.
  • A standard driver's license costs $27.50 and is valid for five years; Real ID licenses cost more and require additional documents.
  • Bring your Social Security card or an alternative document — the DMV will not issue a license without proof of your number.

The written test and what it covers

After you submit your documents, you'll take a written test at the Driver Services Center. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass.

The Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, contains all the material covered on the test. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any Driver Services Center. Most people study the handbook for a few days before their test appointment.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

The road test and scheduling

Once you pass the written test, you'll take a road test with an examiner. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, parking, and stopping — to show you can operate a vehicle safely. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver Services Center.

Some Driver Services Centers schedule your road test on the same day as your written test. Others schedule it for a later date. Call ahead to your local center to find out which applies there. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you may need to schedule a new appointment and wait for an opening.

Bring the vehicle you'll be driving for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive.

Cost and license validity

A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 and is valid for five years. If you're over 65, your license is valid for eight years and costs the same amount. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center when you complete your test.

Tennessee also offers a Real ID driver's license, which meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A Real ID license costs $32.50 and requires one additional document — either a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. The Real ID license is also valid for five years.

You can renew your license by mail or online before it expires, so you won't need to retake the written and road tests again.

Finding your local Driver Services Center

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and phone number for your nearest center on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some centers are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is helpful.

Many centers allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, though walk-ins are accepted at most locations. Hours vary by center, and some close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days.

If you're moving to Tennessee from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of residency, Social Security number, and identity. The exchange process is faster than getting a new license from scratch and costs $27.50.

You have 30 days from moving to Tennessee to exchange your license. After 30 days, you can still exchange it, but you may be required to retake the written test depending on how long you've held your out-of-state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish and several other languages at most Driver Services Centers. Call your local center ahead of time to confirm the language you need is available there.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, though you may need to schedule a new appointment. Some centers allow you to retake it the same day; others require you to schedule a later date. Call your local center to find out their policy and book your next test.

Do I need a learner's permit first?

No. You can go directly to the Driver Services Center and take the written and road tests to get a full driver's license. A learner's permit is optional and is used if you want to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the road test.

What happens if I don't have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead. The DMV will not issue a license without proof of your number, so bring one of these alternatives if you don't have your card.

How long does the whole process take?

From arrival to completion, the process usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the center is and whether your road test is scheduled the same day. If your road test is scheduled for a later date, you'll need to return for a second visit.