Get your Tennessee driver's license at a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Tennessee has 73 Driver Services Centers across the state where you can get your driver's license. These are the only places that issue licenses — you cannot get one by mail, online, or through a third party. Each center is run by the state, and they all follow the same process and accept the same documents.

You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon. Going early in the day, especially on a Tuesday or Wednesday, usually means a shorter wait. A few high-traffic centers now offer online scheduling through the Tennessee Driver Services website, which lets you reserve a time slot instead of waiting in line.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs 73 Driver Services Centers statewide, and these are the only places that issue driver's licenses.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a document proving your identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
  • Some Driver Services Centers offer online scheduling to reserve your time slot, which you can check on the Tennessee Driver Services website.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license is $28.50 for an eight-year license, and you will pay in cash or card at the center when you complete your test.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and road test to get your license; the written and vision tests happen at the Driver Services Center, and the road test is scheduled for a separate appointment.

Finding the Driver Services Center nearest you

The Tennessee Driver Services website has a location finder that shows all 73 centers, their hours, and whether they offer online scheduling. You can search by city or county. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though a few locations have extended evening hours on certain days.

If you live in a rural area far from a center, you may have to travel to the nearest city. There is no mobile service or satellite office system in Tennessee, so distance depends on where you live. The location finder will show you the closest option and its hours so you can plan your trip.

Documents you need to bring

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need three things: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of Tennessee residency dated within the last 60 days (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address), and a document proving your identity and date of birth.

For identity and date of birth, acceptable documents include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization. The staff at the Driver Services Center can tell you if a document works before you get in line — you can call ahead or ask when you arrive.

The written test, vision test, and road test

At your first visit to the Driver Services Center, you will take a written test about Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and a vision test. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the center, and you get your score when ready.

If you pass the written and vision tests, the center will schedule your road test for a later date — usually within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the center is. You will drive with a state examiner who watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring the same vehicle you plan to use for the road test when you go back for that appointment.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, but there is usually a wait of a few weeks before the next opening.

Fees and payment

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $28.50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building), the cost is $33.50. You pay at the Driver Services Center when you finish your tests, and they accept cash and card.

There is no fee to retake the written test if you fail, but you do have to pay the license fee again when you pass and get your license. The road test itself is free, but you must pay the license fee when you pass.

How long it takes from start to finish

The written and vision tests at the Driver Services Center usually take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the center is. After you pass, you will get a temporary paper license to drive home, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

The road test is scheduled for a separate appointment, which can be one to three weeks after you pass the written test. Once you pass the road test, your permanent license is mailed to you. The entire process from your first visit to receiving your plastic license in the mail usually takes four to six weeks.

What to do if you cannot get to a Driver Services Center

If you have a medical condition or disability that makes it hard to visit a center in person, you can request a road test at your home or at a location you choose. Call the Driver Services Center in your area to ask about this option — not all centers offer it, and you may have to wait longer for an appointment.

If you are homebound and cannot travel at all, you can ask about a waiver of the road test, though this is rare and requires documentation from a doctor. The center will tell you what proof they need. You will still have to take the written and vision tests in person or arrange an alternative that the center approves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule my road test online?

No, you cannot schedule the road test online. After you pass the written and vision tests at the Driver Services Center, the staff will give you a date and time for your road test. If that time does not work for you, call the center to ask about other available times.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you will have to wait for the next available appointment, which is usually a few weeks away. There is no fee to retake the test. You do not have to go back to the Driver Services Center for the written test again — you only need to show up for the road test appointment.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Tennessee?

No, a standard driver's license is fine for driving. You only need a Real ID if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license costs $5 more and requires one extra document proving your address, but the process is otherwise the same.

What if I move to Tennessee from another state?

You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license along with the other documents listed above. You will still take the written, vision, and road tests, but some centers may waive the written test if your out-of-state license is current.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website if your license is not suspended and you do not need to update your photo. If you need a new photo or have other changes, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.