Where to go for your Blount County driver's license
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security handles all driver's licenses in Blount County. You cannot get one from the county government itself — you must visit a Driver Services office, which is the state agency's local branch. Blount County has one main office located in Maryville that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
The office is open during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Hours and the exact address change occasionally, so call ahead or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something costs you time and another trip.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs the Blount County Driver Services office in Maryville, not the county itself.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- The office is open weekdays only, and hours vary, so call or check online before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
- Renewal by mail is available in Tennessee if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions, which can save you a trip to the office.
Documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate — a photo is not required for your first license, though it makes the process faster. If you are renewing, your current license counts as proof of identity.
Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Blount County address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from the government also works. You do not need to own property — renters are treated the same as homeowners.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it will work. You will also fill out an process form at the office, so arrive early enough to complete it without rushing.
Getting a new license versus renewing
A new license is what you need if you have never had a Tennessee license or your license has been expired for more than two years. You must take a written test on traffic laws and a vision test at the office. You will also have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you bring all documents and arrive when the office is not busy.
A renewal is faster if your license expired less than two years ago or is still valid. You do not retake the written test or vision test. You can renew in person at the office, or if you meet certain conditions, by mail — your license cannot be suspended, you cannot have had any violations in the past two years, and you must be between 18 and 70 years old. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time you send in your process.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail and must go to the office in person. The office staff can tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving record before you can get a new license.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and receive an process form. Fill it out completely — mistakes on the form can delay your license. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. For a new license, you will then sit for the written test at a computer terminal in the office. You have a set amount of time to complete it, and you must pass to move forward.
After the written test, you take a vision screening. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be told on the spot and can retake it, but you may need to see an eye doctor first.
Once you pass both tests, your license is printed at the office. You receive it before you leave. If you are renewing by mail, you will receive your new license in the mail within two weeks.
Fees and payment methods
Tennessee charges different fees depending on what you are doing. A new license costs one amount, a renewal costs less, and a replacement (if your license is lost or stolen) costs another. Fees change periodically, so ask the office for the current amount when you call to confirm hours. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — confirm which payment methods they take when you call.
If you are under 21, your license looks different and may cost more. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights), there may be an additional fee. Ask about this when you call if you think you need it.
If your license is suspended or revoked
A suspended license means you cannot drive legally, and driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Tennessee. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying a fine, completing a traffic school course, or handling a court case. The office staff cannot lift a suspension; only the court or the agency that issued the suspension can do that.
Once the suspension is lifted, you will need to go to the Driver Services office with proof that it has been cleared. Bring the court order or letter from the agency showing the suspension has been removed. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee. The office can tell you exactly what you need when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions, or you can renew in person at the Maryville office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is completed the same day.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
Go to the Driver Services office in Maryville with your identity and residency documents. You will fill out a replacement form, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. You will receive your replacement license before you leave the office.
Do I need an appointment?
Most Tennessee Driver Services offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Maryville office to confirm whether appointments are available or recommended, especially if you are going during peak hours like lunch or late afternoon.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is usually no additional fee for retakes. Study the Tennessee Driver Handbook before your next attempt — the office can give you a copy or you can read it from the state website.
How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for it. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.