Where to go for a driver license in Nashville

In Nashville, you get your driver license from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. The main office that serves Nashville is the Driver Services Center located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. This is a state office, not a city office — Tennessee runs all driver licenses statewide through the same system.

You can also visit other Driver Services Centers in the surrounding counties if the Nashville location has a long wait, though the Foster Avenue office is the largest in the area. Some services, like renewing a license by mail or online, do not require you to visit an office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's Driver Services Center on Foster Avenue in Nashville is where you go in person for a new license or to handle problems with your current one.
  • You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — bring originals, not copies.
  • A standard driver license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years; you can renew by mail or online if you have no medical changes and your address is current.
  • Bring a completed process for Driving Privilege (Form DL-44) if you are explore for the first time, or arrive early because the office does not take appointments.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. For identity, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Copies do not work — the office must see the original.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. If you moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new one.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are renewing and your license is still valid, you may be able to skip the office visit entirely by renewing online or by mail.

The cost and how long a license lasts

A standard eight-year driver license costs $28.50. If you are between 16 and 18, your license is valid for four years and costs $18.50. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years and costs $18.50. These prices are set by the state and do not change by location.

The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. If you need your license the same day, you can get a temporary paper license while your photo card is being printed, though the permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.

Getting your first license versus renewing

If you are getting your first license, you must visit the office in person, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. You will also take a driving test with an examiner — this is separate from getting the license itself and must be scheduled in advance. The written and vision tests happen at the Driver Services Center; the driving test happens at a separate location.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid and you have no medical changes, you can renew online at the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by mail. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same $28.50. By mail, you send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check; it takes about two weeks. You do not need to visit the office unless your address has changed, you need a new photo, or your license is expired.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

The Driver Services Center on Foster Avenue does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Wait times vary widely — early morning and mid-week tend to be shorter than afternoons and Fridays. On busy days, the wait can be two to three hours.

Bring all your documents, your completed process (Form DL-44 for a new license, or a renewal form if you are renewing in person), and your current license if you have one. When your number is called, a clerk will check your documents, you will take a vision test, and your photo will be taken. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail.

If your license is suspended or expired

If your license has been suspended — usually for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a medical issue — you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension. Contact the Driver Services Center or check your status online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find out why your license was suspended.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but if it expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written and vision tests. Bring your expired license with you so the clerk can check how long it has been expired.

Getting a Real ID compliant license

Tennessee offers a Real ID compliant driver license, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A Real ID license looks the same but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same $28.50 and requires the same documents, but you must explore in person — you cannot get it by mail or online.

When you explore, tell the clerk you want a Real ID license, or check the box on your process form. The process is identical to a standard license; the only difference is the star on the card and the fact that it meets federal identification standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses?

Yes. Online renewal does not require a new vision test if your current license is valid and you have not had any medical changes. You only need a new vision test if you are getting your first license, renewing in person, or if your license has been expired for more than a year.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — you can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a bank statement showing your Social Security number. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the Driver Services Center.

How do I schedule a driving test?

You schedule the driving test separately after you pass the written and vision tests at the Driver Services Center. The clerk will give you information about scheduling when you complete your written test. Tests are administered at a different location and usually happen within one to two weeks of your request.

Can I get a license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa instead. If you have none of these, you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Tennessee Department of Health vital records office before you visit the Driver Services Center.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake it. Most people are allowed to take it again when ready, though the clerk will tell you if you need to wait.