Where to go for a driver's license in Morristown

The Morristown Driver Services office is located at 560 West First North Street in Morristown, Tennessee 37814. This is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security facility that handles driver's licenses, renewals, and identification cards for the Morristown area. You can reach them by phone at (423) 581-4030 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you visit.

Tennessee also operates a satellite office in Newport, about 20 minutes from Morristown, if the Morristown location has a long wait or limited availability on the day you plan to go. Both offices handle the same services and accept the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morristown Driver Services office at 560 West First North Street is where you go to get a new driver's license or renew an existing one.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it before you visit.
  • Tennessee charges $27 for a standard driver's license valid for five years, and payment is cash, check, or card at the office.
  • First-time driver's licenses require you to pass a written test and a road test; renewals do not unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but hours vary by season, so call ahead to confirm.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate counts as proof of identity. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency — it must show your name and current address.

For your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Morristown before you visit the driver's license office.

If you are a non-citizen, you will also need to bring your visa, passport, or immigration document showing your legal status in the United States. Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.

Cost and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $27 in Tennessee. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025), the cost is the same — $27. The Morristown office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

Renewal fees are also $27 for a five-year license. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will pay the standard fee but must retake the written and road tests, just as a first-time applicant would.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and present your documents. A staff member will verify that your identity, residency, and Social Security documents are acceptable. They will take a photograph and a digital signature for your license. If this is your first license or you are under 18, you will be scheduled for a written test at that time or asked to take it when ready in the office.

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you pass, you will be scheduled for a road test with a state examiner. The road test usually takes place within one to three weeks of your written test, depending on the office's schedule.

For a renewal, the process is faster — usually 15 to 30 minutes — because you do not take tests. The staff will update your photograph and address if needed, then issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Road test scheduling and what to expect

After you pass the written test, the Morristown office will give you a date and time for your road test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the car with you.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping smoothly. They will also check that you can use the turn signals, wipers, and headlights correctly. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retests, but you must schedule another appointment, which may take one to three weeks depending on availability.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The Morristown Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday. Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but hours may change seasonally or for holidays. Call (423) 581-4030 to confirm the office is open on the day you plan to visit.

Arrive early if possible — the office does not take appointments, and wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. If you are taking the written test, bring a pen or pencil; the office provides the test form.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing and your address has changed, bring a new proof of residency document showing your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license by mail or online?

Tennessee does not offer online renewal, but you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or medical suspensions. You must request a renewal form from the Morristown office or read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, then mail it with a check or money order and a new photograph. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my driver's license?

You can replace a lost license at the Morristown office. Bring your identity and residency documents as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is $27. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

Do I need a REAL ID to drive in Tennessee?

No. A standard driver's license is legal for driving in Tennessee and all other states. REAL ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you fly or enter federal buildings, ask for REAL ID when you renew; the cost is the same as a standard license.

How long does a driver's license take to arrive if I get it by mail?

If the office mails your license after you visit in person, it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the timeline is also 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your form and payment.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee for retests. You have three attempts to pass the written test before you must wait 30 days and start over.