What you need to get a Tennessee driver license
To get a Tennessee driver license, you will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Tennessee does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must appear at a center to take the written test and have your photo taken.
The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency. For identity, a passport, birth certificate, or military ID is acceptable. Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can serve as proof of your number.
You will also need to bring your completed process for Driving Privilege (Form DL-44), which you can fill out at home before you go or complete at the center. The current fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, though these amounts may change.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with original documents proving identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- Tennessee requires you to pass a written test about traffic laws and a vision screening before you receive your license.
- A four-year license costs $27 and an eight-year license costs $54, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most centers.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the test and pay the fee.
- You can renew your license online if you have a valid license, have not had any violations, and meet other renewal requirements.
The written test and vision screening
Before you receive your license, you must pass a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many people study the handbook for a few days before their appointment and pass on the first try.
You will also take a vision screening at the center. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get your license until you see an eye doctor and bring documentation that your vision meets Tennessee standards.
Renewing your Tennessee driver license
If your license is still valid and you have not had certain violations, you can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website without visiting a center. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $27 for a four-year renewal or $54 for an eight-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired for more than two years, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you need to update your name or address. In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.
If you renew in person at a center, you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You may need to retake the vision test but usually not the written test, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
Finding a Driver Services Center and making an appointment
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the center nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Some centers are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
You can make an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, which often reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at most centers, but appointments are recommended, especially if you are explore for your first license or need to take the written test.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to check in. The entire process — from check-in through photo and payment — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass the test on your first try.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day at most centers or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully.
Between attempts, review the sections of the Tennessee Driver Handbook that cover the topics you found difficult. Pay special attention to right-of-way rules and what different colored and shaped signs mean, as those are common areas where people lose points.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services Center. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the report. Your replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a Driver Services Center to update your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency. There is no fee to change your name.
If you move to a new address within Tennessee, you can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website at no cost. If you move to Tennessee from another state, you must get a new Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at the Driver Services Center. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the center that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Tennessee?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. You need to bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a regular license.
What if I move out of state — is my Tennessee license still valid?
Your Tennessee license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements to see when you must switch.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for several years?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This means you will need to take the written test and vision screening again at a Driver Services Center.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted at most Tennessee Driver Services Centers, but appointments are recommended and often result in shorter wait times. You can make an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website.