What you need to bring to the DMV
Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's licenses, and you'll need to visit a Driver Services Center in person to get one. Before you go, gather these documents: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license). If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport.
You'll also need to bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, or a learner's permit if you're explore for your first license. If your name has changed since your last ID was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring the originals — photocopies won't work.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of your Social Security number, Tennessee residency, and valid ID.
- Tennessee charges a fee for a driver's license (the amount varies based on the type and length of license you're getting), and you'll pay at the time of your visit.
- You'll take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test before your license is issued.
- If you're under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days and complete a driver education course before you can test for a full license.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
Once you've submitted your documents, you'll take a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Department of Safety website. The handbook covers everything the test covers.
After you pass the written test, you'll take a vision screening at the Driver Services Center. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You'll then take a driving test with an examiner, who will watch you perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits and your ability to follow traffic laws. If you fail any part of the test, you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retest fee.
Learner's permit requirements if you're under 18
If you're under 18, Tennessee requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for a full license. To get a learner's permit, you'll need the same documents as for a full license, plus proof that you're enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED. You'll take the written test to get the permit, but you won't take the driving test until 30 days have passed.
While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You also must complete a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course — before you can take the driving test for your full license.
Finding a Driver Services Center and scheduling your visit
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Some centers accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Check your local center's website or call to find out whether you need an appointment and how far in advance you should book.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Centers are often busier on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. If you can visit on a weekday morning, you may have a shorter wait. Bring all your documents and plan to spend at least an hour at the center, though it could take longer depending on how busy it is.
Fees and how long your license lasts
Tennessee charges different fees depending on the type of license you're getting and how long it's valid. A standard driver's license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose. The fee for a four-year license is lower than for an eight-year license. You'll pay the fee when you visit the Driver Services Center. Tennessee does not accept payment by mail or online — you must pay in person.
If you're over 65, your license is valid for four years and costs less than a standard license. If you're under 21, your license will have a different appearance than an adult's license, and it will expire on your 21st birthday. You'll need to renew it at that time if you want to keep driving.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you don't pass the driving test on your first try, you can retake it. You'll need to schedule another appointment at a Driver Services Center and pay a retest fee. There's no waiting period between attempts — you can retake the test as soon as you can schedule another appointment. Many people find it helpful to practice with a licensed driver or take additional driving lessons before their next test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You don't have to wait between attempts for the written test, but you will have to pay a retest fee each time you take it.
Renewing your Tennessee driver's license
When your license is about to expire, Tennessee will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center, depending on your situation. If you're renewing a standard license and your address hasn't changed, you can often renew online or by mail without visiting a center. If you need to update your address, change your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you'll need to visit a center in person.
Renewing by mail or online is faster and cheaper than renewing in person. You'll receive your new license in the mail within a few weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a Driver Services Center to renew in person and receive a temporary license on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No, Tennessee requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, but you should contact your local Driver Services Center to ask whether that's accepted.
What if I lost my documents or don't have proof of residency?
If you don't have a utility bill or lease, other documents can work as proof of residency: a bank statement, insurance policy, government check, or property tax bill all count if they're dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. If you've just moved and don't have any of these yet, contact your local Driver Services Center to ask what alternatives they accept.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license after I pass the test?
You'll receive a temporary license on the spot after you pass the driving test. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until your permanent one arrives.
Do I need to take the driving test again if I move to Tennessee from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without taking the driving test again. You'll still need to take the written test and vision test, and you'll need to bring your out-of-state license and proof of Tennessee residency. The exchange process is faster than getting a license for the first time.
What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee. You'll need to contact the Department of Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. The process varies depending on the reason — it could involve paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.