You can get a Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, or at certain satellite locations in some counties

Tennessee has one main office in Nashville and multiple Driver Services Centers spread across the state. The Nashville office is at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Beyond that, the state operates Driver Services Centers in most counties — the exact number and locations change, so you'll need to check the current list on the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call 615-251-8590 to find the one nearest you.

Some counties also have satellite offices that handle driver's license transactions on certain days of the week. These are usually in smaller towns and keep limited hours. A satellite location might be open only on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for example. If you live far from a full Driver Services Center, a satellite office can save you a trip, but you should confirm their hours and what services they offer before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Nashville office is at 1150 Foster Avenue, but most people use a Driver Services Center in their own county instead.
  • You can find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling 615-251-8590.
  • Some counties have satellite offices that operate part-time; check their hours before you visit.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Bring the documents you need the first time, because going back for a missing form costs you another trip and another wait.

What documents to bring to a Driver Services Center

Tennessee requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. A valid form of ID means a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a previous driver's license or state ID card. If you don't have any of those, you can use a combination of documents — the Tennessee Department of Safety website lists which combinations work.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Tennessee address. A utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. The document has to be recent — usually within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you've just moved and don't have a bill in your new address yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord can work instead.

For your Social Security number or ITIN, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of those, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS. If you don't have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, you can use an ITIN instead — bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you.

How to prepare before you go

Call or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you make the trip. Confirm that your nearest Driver Services Center is open on the day you plan to go, and check whether they're currently accepting walk-ins or whether you need to schedule an appointment. Some locations fill up and stop taking new customers partway through the day, so going early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

Gather all your documents at home and lay them out. Check each one against the list on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. If a document is expired or doesn't show your current address, get a replacement or bring an alternative. Bringing the wrong documents means you'll have to leave, get the right ones, and come back — a frustrating and time-consuming mistake.

If you're renewing a license that's already expired, you can still renew it at a Driver Services Center. If your license was suspended or revoked, you'll need to contact the Tennessee Department of Safety directly to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew. Don't show up at a Driver Services Center with a suspended license expecting to walk out with a new one — the staff will turn you away and you'll have wasted the trip.

What happens when you arrive at a Driver Services Center

When you walk in, you'll usually take a number or check in at a kiosk. You'll wait until your number is called. At the window, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and take your photo and fingerprints. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all the right documents and there's no line.

You'll pay a fee at the window. The cost depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid — a standard driver's license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant license, and a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The staff member will tell you the fee before you pay. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

After you pay, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is legal to use while you wait for the permanent one, so you can drive right away.

Driver Services Centers in major Tennessee cities

Nashville has the main office at 1150 Foster Avenue. Memphis has a Driver Services Center at 1000 North Parkway. Knoxville has one at 2875 Ramsey Pike. Chattanooga has one at 5001 Brainerd Road. These are the largest cities, but every county has at least one location. If you live in a smaller town, search the Tennessee Department of Safety website for your county name to find the exact address and hours.

Hours vary by location. Most Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, but some open on Saturday mornings. A few locations have extended evening hours one or two nights a week. Check the website or call ahead — showing up at a location that closed at noon won't help you.

What to do if you can't visit a Driver Services Center in person

Tennessee does not allow you to renew a driver's license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to ask about exceptions, but these are rare and require documentation.

If you live outside Tennessee temporarily but still have a valid Tennessee license, you can renew it by mail if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked and you're renewing before it expires. Call the Tennessee Department of Safety to request a renewal form. This option is not available if your license is already expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license at a Driver Services Center if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license at any Driver Services Center. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is the same whether your license is current or expired.

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

Most Driver Services Centers accept walk-ins, but some require appointments, especially during busy times. Call your local center or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find out. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you'll be turned away.

How long does it take to get a driver's license after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pay the fee. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving right away, so you don't have to wait.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, you can use that instead. Bring the letter from the IRS that assigned the ITIN to you. If you don't have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to ask what documents you can bring instead.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license at a Driver Services Center?

Yes. A REAL ID license costs more than a standard driver's license and requires additional documentation, but you can get one at any Driver Services Center. The staff will tell you the extra cost and what additional documents you need to bring. REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.