Get your driver's license at the Shelby County Driver Services office on Winchester Avenue, or at one of two satellite locations in Memphis

The main office where you renew, replace, or get a new driver's license in Memphis is the Shelby County Driver Services location at 1060 Winchester Avenue. This is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can also visit satellite offices in East Memphis or Whitehaven if Winchester Avenue is not convenient for you. All three locations handle the same services — you do not need to go to the main office first.

Before you go to any location, bring the documents the state requires. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing a license that is still valid, bring that too. The staff will tell you on the spot if your documents are incomplete, and you will have to come back.

Hours and wait times vary by location and by day of the week. Call ahead or check the Shelby County website before you go — some locations close for lunch, and wait times can be long on Fridays and early in the month. You do not need an appointment at any location, but you can request one online through the state's website if you want to reduce your wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Shelby County Driver Services office is at 1060 Winchester Avenue in Memphis, with satellite locations in East Memphis and Whitehaven.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency dated within the last 60 days to any location.
  • All three locations handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements — you can go to whichever is most convenient.
  • Call ahead to check hours and current wait times, as they vary by location and day of the week.
  • You can request an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to reduce your wait time.

The Winchester Avenue main office and what to expect

The Winchester Avenue location is the largest Driver Services office in Shelby County. It is open Monday through Friday, though hours may vary seasonally. This is where most people go because it has the most staff and the widest range of services, but it also tends to have longer waits, especially on Fridays and the first week of the month.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You wait until your number is called, then you go to a window where a staff member reviews your documents, takes your photo, and processes your request. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy it is. If your documents are incomplete, you will be told when ready and will need to return with the missing items.

East Memphis and Whitehaven satellite locations

The East Memphis satellite office and the Whitehaven satellite office both handle the same services as the main Winchester Avenue location — new licenses, renewals, and replacements. Many people find these locations less crowded than Winchester Avenue, especially during midweek hours. Both are open Monday through Friday, though hours may differ from the main office.

You do not need to visit the main office first or get any kind of referral to use a satellite location. Bring the same documents you would bring to Winchester Avenue. If you live or work closer to one of these locations, going there instead of downtown will save you time and frustration.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID from another state, or military ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return with your number on it. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — it must show your name and current Memphis address.

If you are renewing a license that has not expired, bring it with you. If your license is expired, you can still bring it, but it will not count as proof of identity — you will need one of the other documents listed above. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Fees and payment methods

A new driver's license costs $27 in Tennessee. A renewal costs $27. A replacement (if your license is lost or damaged) costs $27. These fees are the same at all three locations. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card — all locations accept all three methods.

The state does not refund fees if you are turned away for incomplete documents, so double-check what you are bringing before you go. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency, call the office ahead of time rather than making the trip and finding out it does not.

Getting an appointment to reduce wait time

You can request an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Go to the state's driver services page, find the appointment scheduling link, and select your preferred location and time. Appointments are usually available within a few days, though availability varies by location and season.

Even with an appointment, you will still need to check in when you arrive, but you will not wait in the general queue. Appointments do not may provide a specific time — you may still wait 15 to 30 minutes — but they usually cut your total time in half compared to walking in without one. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that slot.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Tennessee does not allow you to renew a driver's license by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed outside Tennessee — in that case, you can renew by mail, but you will need to contact the state directly to request the form.

If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to visit an office, call the Winchester Avenue location to ask about accommodations. Some offices can make arrangements for people with mobility issues or other needs, though you should ask at least a few days in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment at any location, but you will wait in the general queue. Requesting an appointment online usually cuts your wait time in half. Appointments are free and take just a few minutes to book on the state's website.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a state ID from another state or a military ID as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to get a certified birth certificate from the Tennessee Department of Vital Records before you can get a driver's license.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change the expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office when you finish your visit. Your plastic license card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I moved to Memphis from another state?

You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency. You can go to any of the three locations — you do not need to go to the main office first.