Documents required for a Tennessee driver's license

To get a Tennessee driver's license, you need to bring three categories of documents to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The state accepts specific documents in each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office.

Tennessee does not accept all forms of ID equally. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID counts as proof of identity on its own. A state ID from another state, a certified birth certificate, or a tribal ID also works, but if you use one of these, you will need to bring an additional document that shows your name and date of birth — such as a school record, insurance card, or marriage certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the Department of Safety office.
  • A U.S. passport or military ID satisfies the identity requirement by itself; other IDs require a second document showing your name and date of birth.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  • The fee for a driver's license in Tennessee is $27.50 for an eight-year license, and you can renew online if you have no medical conditions and your license is not suspended.

Proof of identity documents Tennessee accepts

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest form of ID because it proves both identity and citizenship. A military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent) also stands alone. If you have either of these, you do not need a second identity document.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, you can use a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. With any of these, you must also bring a second document that shows your name and date of birth — examples include a school transcript, a marriage or divorce certificate, an insurance card, or a court order. The second document does not have to be certified.

Tennessee also accepts a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545) or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the United States. Bring these with a second document showing your name and date of birth.

Proof of residency and Social Security documentation

Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all work. The document must have your name and address printed on it — a bill addressed to "Current Resident" will not be accepted. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The vision and written tests at the office

When you arrive at the Department of Safety office, you will take a vision screening. You must be able to read a chart at a specific distance; if you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get your license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with documentation of your vision correction.

The written knowledge test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Department of Safety website. The handbook covers everything on the test, including right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.

Fees and processing time

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for an eight-year license. If you are under 21, the license is valid for five years and costs $20. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. Some offices accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up the process.

Most offices issue your license the same day you pass the tests, though some locations may take a few days to print and mail it. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the physical card. If you need your license for a specific date — such as for travel or employment — call ahead to ask about wait times at your local office.

Renewing your Tennessee driver's license

When your license is about to expire, Tennessee sends you a renewal notice by mail. You can renew online through the Department of Safety website if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you have not changed your name or address since your last license. Online renewal costs $27.50 and takes about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online, you must go to a Department of Safety office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as you did for your original license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — plus your current license. You will also retake the vision test and the written knowledge test.

What to do if you do not have all the required documents

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the Tennessee Vital Records office online or by mail. The office charges a fee, and processing takes one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the Department of Safety office whether they accept an uncertified copy with a government-issued ID; some offices make exceptions for people in urgent situations.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. Processing takes about two weeks. Until you receive your Social Security number, you cannot get a Tennessee driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Tennessee requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you can explore at your local Social Security office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. Processing takes about two weeks.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Bring all documents showing your name changes, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Safety office will review them to confirm the name changes are legitimate. If your documents do not explain the difference, the office may ask you to provide additional paperwork.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to take the vision and written tests. You cannot have someone else take the tests on your behalf. You can, however, have someone drive you to the office.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Tennessee requires all new drivers to pass the written knowledge test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You will not need to retake the test when you renew your Tennessee license later.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee to retake it. Most offices allow you to retake the test when ready after you fail, though some may ask you to wait a short time before trying again.