Where to go for a driver's license in Athens
The Athens Driver Services Center is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security office that issues driver's licenses in Athens. It is located at 1100 North White Street, Athens, TN 37303. This is the only location in Athens where you can explore for or renew a driver's license in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — the center operates on a walk-in basis. Arrive early if you can, as wait times tend to be longer in mid-morning and early afternoon. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
If you cannot visit in person, Tennessee also allows you to renew a driver's license online through the state's website if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. However, if you are explore for your first license, need a Real ID, or have a suspended or revoked license, you must go to the Athens center in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Athens Driver Services Center at 1100 North White Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and handles all driver's license applications and renewals for the area.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, proof of identity, and a completed process form to obtain a driver's license.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test at the Athens center before receiving a license.
- A standard driver's license costs around $28 for an eight-year renewal, though fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last.
- If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and flights), bring an extra proof document and expect to pay a higher fee.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form will work. You will also need one piece of proof of identity — a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state are all accepted. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate will work, though it takes longer to process.
You must also show proof of Tennessee residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof.
Bring the completed process form DL-44 if you are explore for your first license, or form DL-43 if you are renewing. You can fill these out at home before you go, or the staff will provide blank forms at the center. Bring your current driver's license if you have one, even if it is expired.
What happens during your first visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your process form. They will ask you to pay the fee at this point — cash, check, and card are all accepted.
Next, you will take the written knowledge test, which covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer at the center. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you will wait for another opening.
After passing the written test, you will take a vision test at a machine in the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot proceed that day.
Finally, you will schedule a road test with an examiner. The road test is not given at the Athens center — you will be assigned a date and location, usually within two to four weeks. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, back up, turn, park, and follow traffic laws on public roads.
Fees and payment options
A standard eight-year driver's license costs $28. If you want a four-year license instead, the cost is $18. A Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights, costs $33 for eight years or $23 for four years. These prices are set by the state and do not vary by location.
The Athens center accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. There is no fee to retake the written test on the same day if you fail the first time. However, if you fail the road test, you must pay the full license fee again when you retake it.
Real ID requirements if you need one
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID license in Athens, bring an additional proof document beyond the standard requirements.
Acceptable extra documents for Real ID include a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency, just as you would for a standard license. The staff at the Athens center can tell you whether your documents meet Real ID standards before you pay.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Tennessee driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Athens center. You must first contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver License Suspension Unit to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. The process to restore your license varies depending on the reason. The suspension unit can be reached through the state's website or by calling the Athens center, and staff there can direct you to the right department.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions, you can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and your new license will be mailed to your address. You will pay the renewal fee online with a debit or credit card.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you want to add a Real ID, or if you have any restrictions or suspensions. In those cases, you must visit the Athens center in person. Mail-in renewal is no longer offered by Tennessee; online is the only remote option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a driver's license after I pass the road test?
Your license will be mailed to your address within 10 business days after you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the center that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Athens center offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the staff member at check-in which language you need, and they will set up the computer accordingly.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you must pay the full license fee again and schedule a new test date. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You do not need the physical card. A W-2, tax return, 1099, or any document showing your Social Security number will work. If you have none of these, ask the staff what documents they can accept.
Can I get a Real ID license the same day I explore?
No. Real ID licenses are mailed to you after you pass the road test, just like standard licenses. The process takes about 10 business days from the time you pass the test.