Where to get your driver's license in Crossville

The Crossville Driver License Office is located at 1 John T. Arwood Drive, Crossville, TN 37801. This is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security facility that issues driver's licenses, learner permits, and ID cards for Cumberland County residents. You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally.

Before you go, call ahead at the office directly or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to confirm current hours and any temporary closures. The office can get busy, especially mid-morning and mid-week, so arriving early or on a Thursday or Friday afternoon may mean shorter wait times.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A valid passport or birth certificate works for identity. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Crossville address.

If you are renewing an expired license, you may only need your expired license plus one proof of residency document. If you are getting your first license or a learner permit, bring all three categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving. If you wear them, you must wear them during the test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Crossville Driver License Office is at 1 John T. Arwood Drive and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call to confirm hours before visiting.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax form), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease).
  • Tennessee charges a fee for driver's licenses and learner permits; the amount depends on the type of license and how long it is valid.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for a set period and pass a driving test before you can get a full license.
  • Vision and written tests are given at the office; you can study the written test using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free online.

Learner permits and the path to a full license if you are under 18

If you are under 18 and have never held a driver's license, you must first get a learner permit. This allows you to drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car. You can get a learner permit at the same Crossville office with the same documents listed above, plus a completed process form.

You must hold the learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During that time, you cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 4 a.m.). After 30 days, you can schedule a driving test at the office or at an approved testing location. Once you pass the driving test, you can get your full driver's license.

If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you do not need a learner permit — you can go straight to the written and vision tests, then the driving test, and receive your license.

Fees and how long a license lasts

Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on your age and the type of license you choose. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Learner permits are valid for one year and cost less than a full license. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so ask at the office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for current pricing.

You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Crossville office. If you renew by mail or online (available for some renewals), payment methods may differ.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is expired or expiring soon and you have held a Tennessee license for at least the past five years, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office. The Tennessee Department of Safety website shows which renewal methods are available to you based on your license type and history.

Renewing by mail takes longer than renewing in person — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring. Online renewal, where available, is faster and you can do it from home.

What to do if you fail the written or driving test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a fee for each retake. You are allowed multiple attempts, though some states limit how many times you can test in a single day.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment. There is a fee for each driving test attempt. Many people pass on their second or third try, so a failure does not mean you cannot get a license — it means you need more practice and another test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Crossville?

Yes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs slightly more than a standard license and requires one additional document — usually a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Ask at the Crossville office which documents they accept for Real ID.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at the Crossville office. Bring your proof of identity and residency as if you were renewing. There is a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license. You will receive a new license with a new number.

Can I change my name on my license without getting a new one?

No. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must get a new license. Bring the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your regular identity and residency documents. There is a fee for the new license.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?

You usually receive your license the same day you pass the driving test, or within a few days if the office needs to process it. Ask at the office whether you can take your license home that day or if it will be mailed to you.

What if I moved to Crossville from another state?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Tennessee license at the Crossville office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Crossville, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the vision test and written test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet other requirements — ask the office.