Where to go for your driver's license in Knoxville

In Knoxville, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) handles all driver's license services. You cannot get a license at city hall or a local police station — you must visit a TDSHHS Driver Services office. Knoxville has one main office located at 3148 Tazewell Pike, and it handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.

The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours can vary by season and staffing. Call ahead at the Knoxville office or check the TDSHHS website to confirm current hours before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the TDSHHS Driver Services office on Tazewell Pike in Knoxville; no other location in the city issues driver's licenses.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) — missing documents will send you home.
  • A new license costs money that varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, but most people renew in person at the office.
  • Tennessee licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age; you can renew up to one year before expiration.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of identity means an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the U.S. A photocopy or a photo on your phone will not work — the document itself must be there.

Proof of Social Security is your actual Social Security card. A tax return, W-2, or bank statement with your number on it does not substitute. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current Knoxville address. If you recently moved and have no bill in your name yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date can work, but call the office first to confirm they will accept it.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Tennessee license, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you are moving to Tennessee from another state. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a photo. The written test is multiple choice and covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the TDSHHS website.

A renewal is what you do if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You do not retake the written test or vision test (unless the office staff notices a vision problem during the photo process). Renewals are faster than new licenses, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew — you must contact TDSHHS to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. This is a separate process and takes longer.

Cost and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs one amount; an eight-year license (available to drivers 65 and older) costs less per year but more upfront. A REAL ID-compliant license, which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, costs more than a standard license. The exact fees change periodically, so check the TDSHHS website or call the Knoxville office for current pricing before you go.

The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the State of Tennessee. There is no online payment option — you must pay in person at the office.

Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access

Tennessee allows some drivers to renew by mail without visiting the office. You are may be able to access if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions noted on your current license, and you are not changing your name or address. To renew by mail, contact the TDSHHS or read the renewal form from their website, complete it, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time TDSHHS receives your process. If you need your license sooner, you must go to the office in person. If your license is already expired, you cannot use the mail option — you must appear in person and retake the vision and written tests.

What to expect on the day you visit

Arrive with all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. Check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary widely — early morning (right when the office opens) and late afternoon tend to be quieter than mid-morning. Bring something to read or work on, because waits of 30 minutes to over an hour are common during busy periods.

When your number is called, a staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign a form, and take your photo. If you are getting a new license, you will be directed to a testing station to take the written exam on a computer. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you will pay the test fee again.

After you pass the test (or if you are renewing), you will have your vision checked and your photo taken. Your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's current workload. Ask the staff member which applies to you before you leave.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement, not a renewal. Go to the TDSHHS office with proof of identity and proof of residency (the same documents as for a new license). You will not retake the written test, but you will have a new photo taken. The replacement fee is typically less than a renewal fee. Your new license will be printed when ready or mailed within a week.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police or your bank if you are concerned about identity theft, but this is separate from getting a replacement license — the police report is not required to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at the TDSHHS office on a computer provided by the office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook on the TDSHHS website before you go.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the handbook between attempts. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it in one day, but each attempt costs money.

How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Drivers 65 and older can get an eight-year license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically from Knoxville?

Yes, as of May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or passport is required to board a domestic flight. A standard Tennessee driver's license without the REAL ID marking will not work. You can get a REAL ID at the same office where you get a regular license — just tell the staff member you want the REAL ID version.

What if I moved to Knoxville from another state?

You must get a new Tennessee license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security card, and proof of residency in Knoxville. You will take the written test and vision test. You do not need to surrender your old license, but you should stop using it once your Tennessee license is issued.