Where to go for your driver license in Jackson
The Jackson Driver Services Center is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security office that handles driver licenses in Jackson. It is located at 1515 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305. This is where you will go in person to take your written test, vision test, and photo, or to renew an existing license.
You cannot get a Tennessee driver license by mail or online. You must visit in person at least once for your initial license. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail if you meet certain conditions, but the first visit to the Jackson office is required for new applicants.
The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at the Jackson location to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. Having the correct hours before you go saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Jackson Driver Services Center in person with a valid form of identification and proof of residency to get a new driver license.
- Tennessee requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and provide a photo before you receive your license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as Tennessee will not issue a license without it.
- The entire process at the office usually takes one to three hours depending on how busy the location is that day.
- Renewal by mail is possible for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired by more than one year and you meet other conditions.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of primary identification. This can be a valid passport, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. A school ID or work badge does not count as primary identification for this purpose.
You also need proof that you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. Tennessee will not issue a driver license without your Social Security number on file. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring documentation explaining why and follow a separate process.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well.
What happens during your first visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait until your number is called. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
If your documents are complete, you will take a written test on Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer or on paper, depending on what the office offers that day. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day.
Next, you will have your vision screened. The screener will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a form signed by them before you can get your license.
After you pass both tests, a staff member will take your photo. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will appear on your license for the next five to eight years depending on your age.
How much it costs and how long it takes
A new driver license costs $27 in Tennessee. Payment is cash, check, or card, depending on what the Jackson office accepts. Confirm payment methods when you call ahead.
Your license is usually printed and ready to pick up the same day or within a few days. The office will tell you when to return to collect it. Some locations mail it to you instead. Ask before you leave whether you need to return in person or if it will be mailed.
The entire visit from check-in to photo usually takes one to three hours. Busy times are mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to move faster. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can, as those are typically busier.
Renewing your license by mail
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the Jackson office. You must be at least 18 years old, have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and have no outstanding violations or suspensions.
To renew by mail, contact the Jackson Driver Services Center or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (usually around $27), and mail it to the address provided. The renewed license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail. You must return to the Jackson office in person and take the written and vision tests again.
If you fail the written or vision test
If you fail the written test, you can take it again when ready at the Jackson office the same day, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. However, you may have to pay a small fee for each retake depending on Tennessee's current policy.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot retake it the same day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a form signed by them confirming your vision is correctable to the legal standard, and return to the Jackson office with that form. Once you pass the vision screening with the corrected vision, you can proceed with the rest of the process.
If you fail the written test multiple times, the Jackson office staff can direct you to study materials and practice tests. The Tennessee Driver Handbook is free and covers all the material on the test.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to go to the Jackson Driver Services Center to get a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license: primary ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or document showing it.
You will not have to take the written or vision test again. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue a replacement license. The cost is usually the same as a renewal. The replacement license is typically ready the same day or within a few days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Jackson Police Department as well, though this is not required to get a replacement from the Driver Services Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Tennessee offers the written test in English and Spanish. When you arrive at the Jackson Driver Services Center, tell the staff member which language you need. If you need the test in another language, contact the center ahead of time to ask whether they can accommodate you or whether you need to go to a different location.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Tennessee requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Tennessee driver license. The Jackson Driver Services Center staff can explain what documentation you need to bring to prove why you do not have a Social Security number and what your options are.
How long is a Tennessee driver license valid?
A driver license is valid for five years if you are under 65 years old, and eight years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date is printed on your license. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, or up to one year after it expires.
Can I get a Real ID at the Jackson Driver Services Center?
Yes. A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs a few dollars more than a standard license. Tell the staff member when you arrive that you want a Real ID, and bring an extra document proving your residency, as Real ID requires more documentation than a standard license.
What if I moved to Jackson from another state?
You must get a Tennessee driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Jackson, and your Social Security number or document showing it. You will take the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Tennessee license.