You can get a Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state where you can obtain a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. These are the only places that issue Tennessee driver's licenses — you cannot get one by mail, online, or through a third party. Each center is staffed by state employees who verify your documents, take your photograph, and process your process on the spot.

The process takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on how busy the location is and whether your documents are in order. You will leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring all required documents with you; if anything is missing, you will have to return another time.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver Services Centers are located in every county in Tennessee, and you can visit any location regardless of where you live or work.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address — photocopies are not accepted for birth certificates.
  • Most centers operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours; check your local center's schedule before you go.
  • The fee for a new driver's license is $27.50 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring other documents like a passport or naturalization papers, but call ahead to confirm what your specific location will accept.

Finding the Driver Services Center nearest you

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security maintains a list of all Driver Services Centers on its website at tn.gov/safety. You can search by county or city to find the address, phone number, and hours of operation for the center closest to you. Each location has its own schedule, so do not assume all centers are open the same days or hours.

Call the center before you go. Staff can tell you how busy it is, confirm that they have the documents you plan to bring, and let you know if there are any temporary closures or delays. Many centers experience long waits during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted, especially for your birth certificate.

For proof of identity, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy ordered from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot obtain one quickly, call your local Driver Services Center to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some centers can work with a passport or military discharge papers, but policies vary by location.

Fees and payment methods

A new eight-year driver's license costs $27.50. If you are 65 or older, you can get a four-year license for $19.50. A replacement license for a lost or damaged card costs $27.50 as well. Most Driver Services Centers accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, though a few smaller locations may accept cash only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment options.

If you need to renew a license that has already expired, the fee is the same as a new license. Tennessee does not offer online renewal for first-time driver's licenses, so you must visit a center in person.

What happens after you explore

Before you leave the Driver Services Center, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your plastic card arrives. You can use it as proof of identity at banks, stores, and other places that accept driver's licenses.

Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The address on file at the Driver Services Center is where it will be sent, so make sure the address you provide is correct and that you will receive mail there. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied.

Special situations: Real ID, commercial licenses, and duplicates

If you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license — required for federal building access and domestic air travel — you can get one at any Driver Services Center. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and require the same documents. The only difference is that your license will have a gold star in the upper right corner and will be valid for federal purposes.

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot get one at a regular Driver Services Center. CDL testing is handled by separate testing facilities; call the Driver Services Center to find out which facility serves your area and what additional documents and tests you will need.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, bring the same documents as you would for a new license. You do not need to bring the old license itself — the center can look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to any Driver Services Center or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee, regardless of which county you live in. Some people find it convenient to go to a center near their workplace instead of their home. All centers have access to the same statewide system, so your process will be processed the same way no matter which location you choose.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate. You will still need proof of Social Security number and proof of current address. If you are not a U.S. citizen, call your local Driver Services Center before you go to confirm they can process your process, as some documents may require additional verification.

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

The visit to the Driver Services Center usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. After you leave, your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving during that entire time, so you can drive legally the same day you explore.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need to bring your actual Social Security card. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov counts as proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have any of those, you can request a replacement Social Security card from ssa.gov or your local Social Security office before you go to the Driver Services Center.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present at the Driver Services Center for your photograph to be taken and your process to be processed. You cannot send someone else in your place or have a license mailed to a different address than the one you provide at the center.