Where to Go for Your Driver's License in Davidson County
In Davidson County, Tennessee, you get your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services division. The main office is located in Nashville, and there are also satellite locations throughout the county where you can handle most transactions. You do not need to go to a specific location based on where you live — you can visit any Driver Services office in the county.
The Nashville Driver Services office is at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should confirm current hours before you go, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. Satellite offices have different hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. Arriving early in the day generally means shorter wait times.
You can find the full list of Davidson County Driver Services locations, hours, and services offered at each one on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Some offices handle only renewals and address changes, while others handle new licenses, commercial licenses, and written tests. Knowing which office handles what you need saves you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Davidson County driver's licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, with the main office on Foster Avenue in Nashville and several satellite locations throughout the county.
- You will need a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- A standard driver's license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license, and you can renew online if you meet certain conditions, which saves you a trip to the office.
- If you are getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must take a written test and pass a vision screening at the office.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted — and arrive early to avoid long waits.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Tennessee requires original documents or certified copies — not photocopies or photos on your phone. You will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return), proof of your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license).
If you are explore for your first Tennessee license, you also need proof of your date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or military ID). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Do not bring originals of important documents like your birth certificate unless you are comfortable leaving them with the office; ask if they can make copies for you instead.
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license if you have one and are renewing. If you are renewing online (see the section below), you do not need to bring anything — the transaction happens entirely through the state's website.
Getting Your First License or Renewing After Expiration
If you are getting your first Tennessee driver's license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must take a written test at the Driver Services office. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Department of Safety website. Most people study for a few hours and pass on their first try.
You will also take a vision screening at the office — the staff will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a statement from an eye doctor before you can get your license.
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you will have your photo taken and pay the fee. Your license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Renewing Your License Online or by Mail
If your Tennessee driver's license is still valid and not expired, you can renew it online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website without visiting an office. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number on file, and not have any medical restrictions on your license. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for an eight-year license.
When you renew online, you upload a new photo using your computer's camera or phone. The state will review your photo to make sure it meets their standards (clear face, no sunglasses, plain background). If your photo is rejected, you can upload a new one or visit an office in person. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you will get a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use while you wait.
If you do not want to renew online, you can renew by mail if your license is not expired. You will need to fill out the renewal form, include a new photo, and mail everything to the address on the form along with your fee. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route.
Cost and Payment Methods
A standard eight-year driver's license in Tennessee costs $28.50. If you want a four-year license instead (useful if you expect your address or name to change soon), it costs $18.50. These are the fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change — confirm the current cost when you visit or renew online.
Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing online, you will pay by credit or debit card during the transaction. Some satellite offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you only have cash and want to confirm they accept it.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is the same as a renewal. If you need to change your address without renewing your license, that transaction is free and can be done online, by mail, or at any Driver Services office.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If your Tennessee driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must visit a Driver Services office in person. The staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence convictions.
Restoring a suspended or revoked license often requires more than just paying a fee. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, provide proof of insurance, or wait out a suspension period. The Driver Services office can explain your specific situation and what steps come next. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, you can call the office or check your status online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your photo or address. The expiration date on your new license will be eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you choose the shorter term).
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have another proof of my Social Security number?
You can use a W-2, tax return, or other official document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number before you visit Driver Services. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to fly domestically?
As of May 2025, yes — the federal Real ID requirement is in effect. A standard Tennessee driver's license does not meet Real ID standards. You can get a Real ID compliant license by visiting a Driver Services office in person and providing the same documents as a regular license. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and looks similar, but has a gold star in the upper right corner. You cannot get a Real ID license online or by mail.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
If you explore in person, you will receive a temporary paper license the same day that you can use to drive when ready. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, the timeline is the same — 7 to 10 business days for the card, plus a temporary license by email or mail that you can use right away.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provide on your process, so you do not need to pick it up at the office. If you need your license sooner than the mail delivery time, you can visit a Driver Services office and ask if they can issue it on the spot, though this is not always possible depending on the office and your situation.