The main driver license office in Memphis is the Shelby County Driver Services center on Poplar Avenue

The primary location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a Tennessee driver license in Memphis is the Shelby County Driver Services office at 1060 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security facility, and it handles the full range of driver license transactions — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.

Before you go, bring the documents the office requires for your specific transaction. A new license requires proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). Renewals require fewer documents — usually just your current license and proof of any address change.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shelby County Driver Services office at 1060 Poplar Avenue is the main location in Memphis for all driver license transactions.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment needed for most services.
  • Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency for a new license; renewals require fewer documents.
  • You can also handle some transactions at satellite locations or through the mail if you meet specific requirements.
  • Fees vary by transaction type — renewals, replacements, and new licenses each have different costs set by the state.

What documents you need for each type of transaction

The documents required depend on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or obtaining a license for the first time. Tennessee groups these into different categories, and each has its own document list.

For a renewal, bring your current Tennessee driver license and proof of any address change (a utility bill or lease). If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to provide additional documents — call the office at (901) 222-8000 to confirm before you go.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to re-prove your Social Security number if it is already on file with Tennessee.

For a new license, bring all three categories: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or certified adoption papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Satellite offices and mail-in options in the Memphis area

The Poplar Avenue office is the full-service location, but Tennessee also operates smaller satellite offices in some areas. These handle renewals and replacements but typically do not process new licenses. The closest satellite locations to Memphis vary by year, so call (901) 222-8000 or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to confirm which ones are currently open and their hours.

If you hold a valid Tennessee driver license and only need to renew it, you may be able to renew by mail. You must have a license that is not expired or expired less than two years, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or address changes. The renewal-by-mail form is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Mail processing takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

Some transactions, like obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license, must be done in person at a full-service office. If you are unsure whether your transaction can be handled by mail or at a satellite location, call the main office before you go.

Fees and what they cover

Tennessee charges different fees for different transactions. A driver license renewal costs one amount, a replacement costs another, and a new license costs a third. Fees are set by state law and do not vary by location within Tennessee.

The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the State of Tennessee. Ask the staff member at the counter what the exact fee is for your transaction before you pay, since fees can change and may differ slightly depending on whether you are obtaining a REAL ID or standard license.

If you need a duplicate copy of your license (for example, to keep at home while you carry the original), you can request one at the same time you renew or replace your license. There is an additional fee for a duplicate.

REAL ID requirements if you plan to fly or enter federal buildings

Starting in 2025, a standard Tennessee driver license will not be accepted as identification for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license instead. The REAL ID version has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires additional identity verification when you obtain it.

To get a REAL ID license in Memphis, go to the Poplar Avenue office in person — you cannot obtain REAL ID by mail or at a satellite location. Bring the same documents as you would for a new or renewed license, plus one additional document that proves your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The fee for a REAL ID license is higher than a standard license.

If you already have a standard Tennessee driver license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any time. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

When you walk in, look for the check-in area near the entrance. You will take a number or sign in, depending on the office's current system. Wait for your number to be called, then go to the counter. The staff member will review your documents, answer any questions, and take your photo and signature for your new license.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete the transaction that day if documents are missing.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. Keep this temporary license safe — you will need it if you are stopped by police before your permanent license arrives.

Parking and accessibility at the Poplar Avenue location

The Shelby County Driver Services office has a parking lot on-site. Parking is free. The building is accessible to people with mobility challenges — there is an accessible entrance and accessible restrooms inside.

If you have questions about accessibility or need special accommodations, call the office at (901) 222-8000 before you go. Staff can let you know what is available and may be able to arrange for you to be seen more quickly if you have difficulty standing or waiting in line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you may need to provide additional documents beyond what a standard renewal requires. Call (901) 222-8000 to confirm what you need to bring before you go to the office. In some cases, an expired license can be renewed by mail if it expired less than two years ago, but if it has been expired longer, you will likely need to go in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Tennessee accepts other forms of proof of identity for a new license, including a military ID, certified adoption papers, or a court order. Call the office at (901) 222-8000 to ask what documents you can use instead. Staff can tell you which alternatives are acceptable for your situation.

How long does it take to get a replacement license if mine was stolen?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter when you complete your transaction, and your permanent replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted at the Poplar Avenue office — no appointment is needed. However, wait times vary. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons or mid-day.

What if I moved to Memphis from another state and need a Tennessee license?

You will need to obtain a new Tennessee license. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your new Memphis address. You may also need to surrender your out-of-state license. Call (901) 222-8000 to confirm what documents you need before you go.