The main place to go is the Nashville Driver Services Center

The Nashville Driver Services Center, run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, is where you renew, replace, or get a new driver's license in Nashville. It is located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. This is the only full-service location in Nashville where you can walk in, take the written test, pass the vision screening, and have your photo taken on the same day.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays.

If you are getting a license for the first time, you will need to bring specific documents. If you are renewing or replacing an existing license, the process is faster. The documents you need depend on which of these situations applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nashville Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue is the main location where you can get a new license, renew, or replace an existing one.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and vision screening at the center; renewals do not require retesting.
  • The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment needed, though wait times vary throughout the day.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may renew by mail if your license is not expired or suspended.

What documents to bring for a new license

If you are getting a Tennessee driver's license for the first time, bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Tennessee. A valid passport works for identity. A birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa also works. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Nashville address on it.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. You must also bring your completed process for a Tennessee Driver License or Learner Permit, which is form DL 44. You can fill it out at home before you go or at the center.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you, and they must bring their own ID.

What documents to bring to renew or replace your license

If your Tennessee license is not expired or suspended, you can renew it by mail without visiting the center. You will need to fill out form DL 44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for), and mail it to the address on the form. This takes about two to three weeks.

If your license is expired, suspended, or you need a replacement card because yours was lost or damaged, you must go to the center in person. Bring your expired or damaged license if you have it. You will need to show proof of residency again — a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening if you are renewing or replacing.

The written test and vision screening

First-time applicants must pass a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the center. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait.

You will also have a vision screening at the center. The screener will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye doctor and will not be able to get your license until you return with a vision certificate from that doctor.

Fees and how long it takes

The fee for a new driver's license is $31.50 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing, the cost depends on how many years you are renewing for — typically $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. Bring a check, money order, or debit card; the center does not accept cash.

If you pass the test and vision screening on your first visit, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request a duplicate at the center for an extra $7.50, though this is not may provide to speed up delivery.

Other driver services locations in the Nashville area

If you cannot reach the main center on Foster Avenue, there is a second location at the Hermitage Driver Services Center, 5101 Old Lebanon Road, Hermitage, TN 37076. It is open the same hours — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — and offers the same services. Both locations are run by the same state agency and use the same process.

Some DMV services are also available at certain license plate offices around Nashville, but these locations cannot issue new licenses or conduct written tests. They can only handle renewals and replacements for people whose licenses are not expired. If you need a new license or have to retake the test, you must go to one of the two full-service centers.

What to do if you fail the test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again the same day. There is no extra fee for retaking the test at the center. Many people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the questions they missed. The center staff can point you toward study materials — the Tennessee Driver Handbook is free and covers everything on the test.

If you fail multiple times, you may want to study at home for a few days before returning. You can read the handbook from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or pick up a printed copy at the center. Some people find it helpful to take practice tests online before going back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or suspended, or you can visit the center in person. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — you just need to show a document with your Social Security number on it. A W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or statement before you visit the driver services center.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Both the Foster Avenue and Hermitage locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in during business hours. Wait times are usually shorter in the morning and earlier in the week.

What if I am moving out of Tennessee?

You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. You can usually do this by visiting that state's equivalent of the driver services center and bringing proof of residency there. Your Tennessee license will no longer be valid once you establish residency elsewhere.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign your license. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, but you still have to be there as well.