The main place to renew or get a Tennessee driver license in Memphis is the Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue

Tennessee's Driver Services division runs the office that handles driver licenses in Memphis. The main location is at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is where you go to renew an existing license, get your first license, replace a lost or stolen license, or update information on your current license.

You can also handle some driver license tasks at any County Clerk's office in Shelby County, though the Poplar Avenue location has the most staff and shortest wait times. The County Clerk's office is located at 160 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103, but call ahead to confirm they have the specific service you need that day.

Hours at the Poplar Avenue Driver Services Center are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call 615-251-8590 before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Driver Services Center in Memphis is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and handles all driver license services including renewals, replacements, and new licenses.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get or renew a license.
  • The Shelby County Clerk's office at 160 South Main Street can also help with some driver license tasks, but call first to confirm availability.
  • You can renew your Tennessee driver license online through the state website if you meet certain requirements, which may save you a trip to the office.
  • Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or on Saturdays, and longer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license or state ID if you have one. If you do not have either, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID as your primary form of identification. Tennessee also accepts a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the United States.

You will also need proof that you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or tax return from the current year is also acceptable. The document must show your name and current address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation. You will also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address.

Renewing online instead of going in person

Tennessee allows online renewal for driver licenses that are not expired and meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if your license is still valid, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The state charges a renewal fee that varies depending on how many years you want the license to be valid.

If your license is expired, you have changed your address, you need a new photo, or you want to change your name, you must go to the Driver Services Center or County Clerk's office in person. Online renewal is not an option in those situations.

Getting a replacement license if yours is lost or stolen

Go to the Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue or the County Clerk's office and tell them you need a replacement. Bring your identification and proof of residency just as you would for a renewal. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee and is usually lower.

If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the Memphis Police Department, though this is not required to get a replacement. Having a police report can be helpful if someone uses your license number for fraud, but the Driver Services Center will issue a replacement without one.

Your replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the Driver Services Center for a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait.

Getting your first driver license as a new resident or first-time driver

If you are moving to Tennessee from another state, you have 30 days to get a Tennessee driver license. Go to the Driver Services Center with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Tennessee, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test.

If you are getting your first driver license ever, you must pass all three tests. You will also need to complete a driver education course if you are under 18. The course can be taken online or in person through approved providers in Memphis. Bring proof of completion when you go to the Driver Services Center.

First-time applicants pay a higher fee than people renewing an existing license. The fee covers the cost of the written test, vision test, and driving test. You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, which often has shorter wait times than walk-in appointments.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

Arrive early if possible. The Driver Services Center does not take reservations for walk-in customers, so you will take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Mornings before 10 a.m. and Saturdays typically have shorter waits than afternoons on weekdays.

When your number is called, a staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you are renewing or replacing a license, this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you are taking a written test or driving test, plan for 30 minutes to an hour.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. Do not expect to leave with a physical license in hand. You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt that shows your license number and is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license by mail?

Tennessee does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew online through the state website, or go in person to the Driver Services Center or County Clerk's office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements.

How long does it take to get a new driver license after I explore?

Your license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you explore. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the time you explore. The temporary is valid for 30 days.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. The process is the same as for applicants with a Social Security number.

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

The Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue does not require appointments for most services. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. However, you can schedule a driving test appointment online, which often has shorter wait times than walk-in slots.

What if I moved to a new address in Memphis?

You can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is not expired and you do not need other changes. If you need to update your address in person, go to the Driver Services Center with proof of your new residency and your current license.