Where the Blount County Driver's License Office is Located
The Blount County Driver's License Office is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main office is located in Maryville, which is the county seat. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking the department's website, since office locations and hours can change.
Tennessee has multiple driver's license offices across the state, and Blount County residents may also find offices in nearby counties if the Maryville location has a long wait or limited hours on a particular day. However, you can complete your transaction at any Tennessee driver's license office, not just the one in your home county.
Key Takeaways
- The Blount County Driver's License Office is operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in Maryville.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or replacing a lost one.
- Call ahead or check the department's website to confirm hours and current wait times before you go.
- You can visit any Tennessee driver's license office, not just the one in Blount County, if another location is more convenient.
- Bring proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number documentation — the exact documents depend on your situation.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged license. Tennessee requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency for most transactions.
For proof of identity, you can bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return or W-2 form with your number on it. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own identification. If you are renewing online or by mail (which Tennessee offers for some renewals), you will not need to visit the office in person.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and mid-week visits are often shorter than afternoons or Fridays.
A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs if you are getting your first license or if your license has been expired for more than a year. If you are renewing a current license, you typically skip the written test.
Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver's license fees in Tennessee vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license costs one amount, while a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal travel) costs more. Renewal fees are different from fees for a first license or replacement.
The Blount County office accepts cash and card payments. Call the office directly to confirm the exact fee for your situation, since rates can change and different license types have different costs.
Getting Your First License or a Learner's Permit
If you are 16 or 17 and getting your first license, Tennessee requires you to hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the driving test. The learner's permit itself requires passing a written test on traffic laws and road signs.
You must bring the same documents as for a regular license, plus proof that you have completed a driver's education course (if required by your age). A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process.
Once you hold the learner's permit for the required time and have met the supervised driving hours, you can return to the office to take the driving test and get your full license.
REAL ID Licenses and What They Mean
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted for federal travel — you will need a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID like a passport.
Getting a REAL ID requires the same documents as a regular license, plus one additional document proving your address (such as a utility bill or lease). The fee is higher than a standard license. If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, a REAL ID license is worth getting now rather than waiting until the important date.
If You Have Lost or Damaged Your License
To replace a lost or damaged license, bring your proof of identity, Social Security documentation, and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a renewal.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than a year. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to the office?
Tennessee offers online and mail renewal for some drivers, depending on your age and how long your license has been expired. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are, you can renew without visiting the Blount County office in person.
How long does it take to get my license after my visit?
Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use for driving and identification until your plastic card arrives.
What if I do not have all the required documents?
Call the Blount County Driver's License Office before you visit and explain which documents you have and which you do not. Staff can tell you whether you can use alternative documents or whether you need to gather additional paperwork before coming in.
Can I go to a different Tennessee driver's license office instead of Blount County?
Yes. You can visit any driver's license office in Tennessee to renew, replace, or get your first license. If another office is closer or has shorter wait times, you can go there instead of the Maryville location.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Most Tennessee driver's license offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations may offer appointments. Call the Blount County office to ask whether appointments are available and whether you should arrive early to get a shorter wait time.