Tennessee Driver's License Locations and How to Find Yours

You get your Tennessee driver's license at a Driver Services office, run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Tennessee has 74 Driver Services locations across the state — some in cities, some in smaller towns. You cannot get a license by mail, online, or through a third party. You must go in person with the documents the state requires.

The fastest way to find your nearest office is the official Driver Services location finder at tn.gov/safety. Enter your city or zip code, and it shows you every office within a reasonable distance, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are appointment-only; others take both. Hours vary by location — many are open Monday through Friday, but some open Saturday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee has 74 Driver Services offices statewide, and you must visit one in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • The official location finder at tn.gov/safety shows you the nearest office, hours, and whether appointments are required or walk-ins are accepted.
  • Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a utility bill or lease in your name, and your Social Security card or tax return — exact documents depend on your citizenship status.
  • Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most offices, and your temporary license is issued on the spot; the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Finding the Right Office for Your Location

Start at tn.gov/safety/driverlicense and use the "Find a Driver Services Office" tool. Type in your zip code or city name. The tool returns a list sorted by distance, showing the street address, phone number, hours of operation, and whether the office takes appointments, walk-ins, or both.

If you live near a county line, you may see multiple offices. You can visit any Driver Services location in Tennessee — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Choose based on convenience and whether the office's hours work for you. If an office is appointment-only and you cannot get an appointment for weeks, try a nearby location that takes walk-ins.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether you have all the documents you need. The office staff can tell you over the phone whether your specific documents will work, which saves a wasted trip. The phone number is on the location finder.

Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires proof of three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address in Tennessee. The exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen.

For U.S. citizens: Bring an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), a Social Security card or a tax return showing your full Social Security number, and proof of your current Tennessee address. For address proof, use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof but not as address proof.

For non-citizens: You need your passport or travel document, proof of legal presence (visa, work permit, or green card), your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof of Tennessee residency. The rules are stricter for non-citizens, so call the office ahead of time with your documents to confirm they will work.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and a certified English translation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if you have an appointment. If you are a walk-in, expect to wait depending on how busy the office is — some offices have short waits, others can have lines of 30 minutes or more during lunch hours and late afternoon.

When it is your turn, you will hand over your documents. The staff will verify them, take your photo, and ask you to sign. You will pay the fee — a regular driver's license costs $27 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Tennessee accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

You will take a vision test and a written test on Tennessee traffic laws. The written test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Once you pass, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

Appointment vs. Walk-In: Which Should You Choose

If the office near you takes appointments, book one online or by phone through the location finder. Appointments typically have shorter wait times and may provide you will be seen at your scheduled time. Some offices let you book weeks in advance; others open appointments only a few days ahead.

Walk-in offices do not require advance notice, but you may wait longer, especially during peak hours. If you have a flexible schedule and do not mind waiting, walk-ins can be faster than waiting for an appointment slot to open. If you have limited time or prefer certainty, choose an appointment.

If an office near you is appointment-only and the next available slot is weeks away, check whether a nearby office takes walk-ins. You are not restricted to your home county.

After You Receive Your License

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the Driver Services office where you applied.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid. Keep your permanent license with you whenever you drive. If it is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any Driver Services office for a $7 fee.

Your Tennessee driver's license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you chose. You will need to renew it before the expiration date printed on the card. Renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person, depending on your circumstances.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you and sign the process. Minors also have restrictions on when they can drive and who can be in the car with them — ask the office staff for the rules or check tn.gov/safety.

If you are renewing a license that has expired more than one year ago, you must retake the written and vision tests. If your license expired less than one year ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, tell the staff when you arrive. Tennessee may require a doctor's statement or impose restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or hand controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment online or do I have to call?

It depends on the office. Some offices let you book appointments through the tn.gov/safety website; others require you to call. The location finder tells you which method each office uses. If the website does not show an online booking option for your office, call the number listed.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. Call the office where you plan to get your license and ask whether they accept alternative identity documents while you wait for the birth certificate to arrive.

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

Yes. Even if you hold a valid license from another state, Tennessee requires you to pass the written test and vision test to get a Tennessee license. You do not need a learner's permit first.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at no extra cost. Most people pass on the second attempt. The office staff can point you to study materials if you want to prepare before your next try.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

At the office, plan for 15 to 30 minutes of processing time, plus any wait. You leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so the total time from your visit to having the permanent card is roughly two weeks.