Where to go for your driver's license in Knoxville

In Knoxville, you get your driver's license from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section. The main office that serves Knoxville is located at 1150 Foster Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. This is the place to go whether you need a new license, a renewal, a replacement, or a name change on an existing license.

You can also visit other Driver License offices in Knox County if the Foster Street location is inconvenient — there are satellite offices in different parts of the county. Before you go, check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call ahead to confirm hours, because office hours vary by location and can change seasonally.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Many people find that arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons means shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Knoxville Driver License office is at 1150 Foster Street, and you can also visit satellite offices in Knox County.
  • You will need to bring a Social Security card, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport.
  • A new driver's license costs $27.50 in Tennessee, and a renewal costs $27.50; the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • If you are renewing by mail, you must be between 65 and 70 years old, have a valid license that has not been suspended, and not need a new photo.
  • You will take a written test, vision test, and road test if you are getting your first license; renewals do not require these tests.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three types of documents before you can get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Knoxville address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Tennessee.

The cost and how long it takes

A new Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50, and a renewal also costs $27.50. You pay this fee at the Driver License office when you complete your process. Tennessee does not accept payment by mail — you must pay in person at the office.

If you pass all tests on your first visit, you will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not pass a test, you can retake it at your next visit, and there is no additional fee for retakes.

If you are renewing an existing license and do not need a new photo, you may be able to renew by mail instead of going to the office. Mail renewal is only available if you are between 65 and 70 years old, your current license is valid and has not been suspended, and you do not need a vision or road test.

Tests you will take for a new license

If you are getting your first Tennessee driver's license, you will take three tests at the Driver License office: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test.

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Department of Safety website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The road test happens after you pass the written and vision tests — an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and watches how you handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.

If you are renewing a license you already hold, you do not take any of these tests. You only need to update your information and pay the renewal fee.

What to expect on the day you go

Arrive with all your documents and be prepared to wait. The office will call you when it is your turn. You will fill out an process form (the office provides this), have your photo taken, and pay your fee. If you are getting a new license, you will then take the written test at a computer terminal in the office.

If you pass the written test, you will take the vision test next. If you pass that, you will schedule your road test for a later date — it does not happen the same day. The examiner will tell you when to come back and what vehicle to bring.

Bring a pen to fill out forms, and wear clothing that allows you to see clearly for your photo. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your eyes.

Renewing your license by mail

If you meet the age and license status requirements, you can renew by mail instead of visiting the office in person. To renew by mail, you must be between 65 and 70 years old, your current license must be valid and not suspended, and you must not need a new photo.

Contact the Driver License Section to request a mail renewal form, or read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $27.50, and mail it to the address on the form. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at the Driver License office.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your Tennessee driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Driver License Section to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Suspensions can happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Each reason has different requirements for reinstatement. Some require you to pay a fee, others require you to complete a defensive driving course, and some require both.

Call the Driver License Section or visit in person to learn what you need to do. Do not attempt to renew until your suspension has been lifted, because the office will not process your renewal if your license is still suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Tennessee does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and status requirements, or you must visit a Driver License office in person. There is no online option.

How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?

A Tennessee driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You should renew before that date, though you can still drive for a short grace period after expiration in some situations — check with the office if your license has already expired.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to the Driver License office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security card, and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will pay $27.50 and receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted at the Knoxville Driver License office. You do not need an appointment. However, wait times vary — arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons usually means shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test at your next visit to the office. There is no additional fee for retakes. You do not have to retake the written or vision tests — only the road test. Schedule your next test date with the examiner before you leave.