The Jackson Driver License Office Location and Hours

Tennessee issues driver licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and Jackson has one full-service office where you can explore for, renew, or replace a license. The office is located at 1414 Old Medina Highway, Jackson, TN 38305. This is the main location serving Madison County and the surrounding area.

Hours of operation are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though the office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, calling ahead at the office directly or checking the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go is a practical step.

The Jackson office handles all standard transactions: first-time licenses, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and commercial driver license (CDL) services. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the office does operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jackson driver license office is at 1414 Old Medina Highway and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • You do not need an appointment; the office serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to support it.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you can skip the office visit entirely if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical restrictions.
  • The office is closed on weekends and state holidays, so plan your visit for a weekday.

Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires specific documents for any driver license transaction. For a first-time license, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a valid ID and proof of residency. The office staff can tell you on the spot if a document does not meet requirements, so bringing originals rather than copies reduces the chance of a wasted trip.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own identification. Minors also need a certified birth certificate or passport in addition to the documents listed above.

Renewal Options Beyond the Office

Not every license renewal requires a visit to Jackson. Tennessee allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired more than one year, have no medical restrictions, and belong to someone 65 or older or between 18 and 64 with a clean driving record. The online process costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail.

Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You submit your current license, a completed process form (DL 43), and the renewal fee by mail to the address provided on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. This route takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but requires no office visit.

If your license is expired more than one year, you have medical restrictions, or you need a CDL, you must visit the office in person. The Jackson location is the only place in Madison County where you can handle these transactions.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard driver license renewal costs $27.50 in Tennessee. A first-time license or a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $27.50 as well. A commercial driver license (CDL) renewal is $60. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by location.

The Jackson office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Tennessee Department of Safety. The office does not accept third-party checks or post-dated checks.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will review them and let you know if anything is missing or does not meet requirements. If everything is in order, you will complete an process form (DL 44 for a standard license, DL 43 for a renewal). You will then have your photo taken and your signature captured digitally.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are complete. Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is produced and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If the office finds an issue with your documents or process, staff will explain what needs to be corrected and whether you can fix it that day or need to return. Bring all documents with you so you have options if a problem comes up.

Nearby Services and Alternatives

If you cannot reach the Jackson office on a particular day, Madison County has no other full-service driver license locations. However, some Tennessee counties offer limited services at satellite offices or partner locations. The Jackson office staff can direct you to the nearest alternative if you need to handle a transaction urgently.

For questions about your specific situation — whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, what documents you need, or whether you can renew by mail — you can call the Jackson office directly or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website. The website also has a live chat option during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired within the past year and you have no medical restrictions. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you must visit the Jackson office in person and retake the written test and vision screening.

Do I need an appointment to get a driver license in Jackson?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.

How long does it take to get a permanent license after I visit the office?

You receive a temporary license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Jackson office to report it.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my number?

Bring whatever documentation you have that shows your name and date of birth — passport, military ID, or birth certificate — and explain the situation to the office staff. They can sometimes work with you to verify your identity through other means, but call ahead to confirm what alternatives they accept.

Can I get a commercial driver license (CDL) at the Jackson office?

Yes. The Jackson office handles CDL applications, renewals, and upgrades. You will need to pass a written test and a skills test, and you must bring your current license and proof of residency. CDL transactions take longer than standard licenses, so plan for a longer visit.