Boones Creek driver license center has relocated to a new address

The Boones Creek Driver License Center, operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, moved from its original location. The new address is 2210 Wilderness Road, Kingsport, TN 37660. This relocation affects anyone in the Boones Creek area who needs to renew, replace, or obtain a driver license or identification card.

The move was completed to consolidate services and improve facility conditions. The new location remains in the same general region, but the specific address and hours may differ from what you remember. Before you travel to the center, confirm the current hours of operation by calling ahead or checking the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

If you are unsure whether you need to visit in person or can handle your transaction by mail or online, the department offers multiple ways to renew or replace documents. Not every transaction requires a visit to a physical location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boones Creek Driver License Center relocated to 2210 Wilderness Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.
  • You can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how much time remains on your current license.
  • Call the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or learn whether your specific transaction can be handled without a visit.
  • Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency when you visit; requirements vary by transaction type.

How to renew your license without visiting the center

Tennessee allows online renewal for driver licenses that have not expired and meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

Mail-in renewal is also available for some situations. If you cannot visit in person and do not meet the requirements for online renewal, contact the department to ask whether your case qualifies for a mailed form and return process. Processing by mail typically takes longer than in-person service, so plan ahead if you are approaching your expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you will likely need to visit a driver license center in person. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online in Tennessee, and the in-person appointment is the fastest route to get a valid license again.

What to bring when you visit the relocated center

Bring a valid form of identification—such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver license—and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on your proof of address should match the name on your ID.

If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license or identification card, you will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration document). Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025.

Bring any documents related to your transaction. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if you have one. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Having the right documents the first time avoids a second trip.

Wait times and scheduling at the new location

The relocated center operates on a first-come, first-served basis at most times, though some Tennessee driver license centers now offer online appointment scheduling. Call 615-251-8590 to ask whether the Kingsport location accepts appointments or whether you should expect to wait. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning visits often have shorter lines than afternoon visits.

If you arrive and the wait is longer than you expected, you can leave and return at a different time. There is no penalty for not completing your transaction on your first visit. Some people find that visiting on a weekday morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, results in shorter waits than Friday or Monday.

Other driver license centers in the region

If the relocated Kingsport location is inconvenient, Tennessee operates driver license centers in other nearby cities. Locations exist in Johnson City, Bristol, and Morristown, among others. Each center handles the same transactions—renewals, replacements, new licenses, and identification cards—so you can visit whichever location works best for your schedule.

Call the Tennessee Department of Safety main line at 615-251-8590 to ask about hours and services at other centers near you. Some smaller centers have shorter wait times than larger ones, and the department can tell you which location might be fastest for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to visit the new Kingsport location, or can I go to a different center?

You can visit any Tennessee driver license center. The relocation only affects the Boones Creek location; you are not required to use the new Kingsport address. If another center is more convenient, you can go there instead.

What if I do not know my Social Security number?

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you cannot locate any of these, call the Tennessee Department of Safety before your visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you will need to visit a driver license center in person. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license process, including proof of identity and residency.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Real ID licenses are issued on the spot during your visit if all your documents are in order. You will receive your new license before you leave the center. If documents are missing or incomplete, the center will tell you what you need to bring back.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. You can update your address during your visit, and it will appear on your renewed or replaced license.