Where to go for your driver's license in Jackson

The Jackson Driver Services office is located at 1515 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38301. This is the main location where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions. The office is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which handles all driver licensing in the state.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. It's a good idea to call ahead at the Jackson office to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing can affect when they're open.

If you cannot visit Jackson, you may find a satellite office or mobile unit in a nearby town, though these typically operate on a limited schedule. The Tennessee Department of Safety website lists all locations statewide, so you can check whether there's an option closer to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jackson Driver Services office is at 1515 Hollywood Drive and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to explore for or renew a license.
  • A new driver's license costs a different amount than a renewal, and fees vary depending on how long you want the license to be valid.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must meet specific requirements — not all renewals can be done remotely.
  • You will take a written test and vision test at the office if you are explore for your first license or after a suspension.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the Jackson office, gather the documents Tennessee requires. You will need one form of valid identification — this can be a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. You will also need proof that you live in Tennessee, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you don't have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 will work. You will also need to fill out the DL 44 form (process for Tennessee Driver License) before you arrive or when you get there — the office can provide it if you don't have it ahead of time.

If you are renewing a license that has expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written and vision tests, so plan for extra time. Bring your current or expired license if you have it.

Costs and how long a license lasts

A new Tennessee driver's license costs $27 if you want it valid for four years, or $32 if you want it valid for eight years. A renewal of an existing license costs $27 for four years or $32 for eight years. These fees are paid at the time you explore, and the office accepts cash, check, and card payments.

Once issued, your license will be valid for the number of years you chose. If you turn 65 before your license expires, you can renew it at no cost, though you will still need to visit the office or use the mail renewal process if you meet the requirements.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

Tennessee allows some drivers to renew their license without visiting an office. You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you have not had any suspensions or revocations in the past five years, and you are not changing your address. You will need to send your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed DL 44 form to the address provided by the Department of Safety.

Online renewal is also available for some drivers through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, though the same restrictions explore — your license must be current, and you cannot have had recent suspensions. The online process is faster than mail renewal and you will receive your new license within two weeks.

If you do not meet these requirements, you must visit the Jackson office in person. This includes anyone explore for their first license, anyone whose license has been suspended or revoked, and anyone who needs to update their address or other information.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

When you arrive at the Jackson Driver Services office, check in at the front desk and submit your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is complete. If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If you are explore for your first license or your license has been expired for more than a year, you will take a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. You will also take a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

After you pass the tests and your documents are approved, you will have your photo taken for the license. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If your license has been suspended or revoked

If your Tennessee license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must go through a reinstatement process. The reason for the suspension or revocation determines what you have to do. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the Jackson Driver Services office or the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the specific requirements for your situation. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (such as paying fines or completing a DUI program), and pass the written and vision tests again.

The reinstatement process can take several weeks, so do not wait until you need to drive to start. Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license card in the mail.

Changing your address or other information

If you move to a new address in Tennessee, you can update your license by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had recent suspensions. Send your current license, a completed DL 44 form, proof of your new address, and the renewal fee to the Department of Safety.

If you need to change your name, add or remove a restriction (such as corrective lenses), or make other changes beyond an address update, you must visit the Jackson office in person. Bring your current license, proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change), and any other documents the office requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your permanent license will be mailed to you within two weeks of approval. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for the permanent card to arrive in the mail.

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test and vision test must be taken in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot take these tests online or by mail, even if you are renewing a license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people are allowed to take it again when ready, though the office may ask you to wait a short time between attempts.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Jackson office?

Appointments are not required, but the office may offer them during busy times. Call ahead to ask whether appointments are available and whether walk-ins are being seen. This can help you avoid a long wait.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can report it lost or stolen and request a replacement at the Jackson office. Bring your identification and proof of residency. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and will be mailed to you within two weeks.