Where to explore for a driver's license in Millington

Millington does not have its own Driver Services office. The nearest location is the Memphis Driver Services Center, located at 1060 Getwell Road in Memphis, about 20 miles south of Millington. This is the facility where Shelby County residents, including those in Millington, must go to obtain or renew a driver's license.

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates all Driver Services offices statewide. The Memphis location handles written tests, road tests, license issuance, and renewals for the greater Memphis area. You cannot complete a driver's license transaction by mail or online in Tennessee, so an in-person visit is required.

Hours at the Memphis Driver Services Center are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., though hours can change seasonally. Call ahead at the office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to confirm current hours before making the drive from Millington.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Driver Services Center on Getwell Road is the only location in Shelby County where Millington residents can obtain a driver's license.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your appointment.
  • Tennessee requires you to pass a written test and a road test before receiving your first driver's license; renewals do not require retesting.
  • Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can exceed two hours during peak times, so arriving early or scheduling ahead is advisable.
  • The cost of a driver's license in Tennessee varies by type and validity period, ranging from roughly $27 to $35 for standard licenses.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents at the Driver Services office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot proceed without all three, so gathering them before your visit saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization if you were born outside the United States. A photocopy is not acceptable for identity documents. If your birth certificate is not certified, the office will not accept it.

Proof of residency must show your current address in Millington or Shelby County. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, a recent tax document is the fastest alternative. You do not need to bring the original; a copy is acceptable.

Written test and road test requirements

First-time driver's license holders in Tennessee must pass both a written knowledge test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Tennessee. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website or in print at the Memphis Driver Services Center.

The written test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

The road test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult must accompany you to the test site, though they cannot sit in the vehicle during the test itself. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping, and will observe your use of mirrors, signals, and awareness of other traffic.

If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before retesting. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but each attempt may incur a fee. Check the current fee schedule on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Cost and license validity

A standard five-year driver's license in Tennessee costs approximately $27. An eight-year license costs around $35. These prices are set by the state and do not vary by location, so the Memphis Driver Services Center charges the same as any other office in Tennessee.

Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at the Memphis location. Personal checks are not accepted. If you are renewing an expired license, the cost is the same as a new license.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready.

Renewing your driver's license from Millington

If your driver's license is expiring and you already hold a valid Tennessee license, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the Memphis Driver Services Center. Tennessee allows mail renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have no medical restrictions.

To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety. You can read the form from their website or call the Memphis Driver Services Center to request one by mail. Complete the form, include payment, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks.

If you cannot renew by mail—for example, if your license was suspended, if you need to update your address, or if you want to change your photo—you must visit the Memphis Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a new license process.

What to expect on your visit day

Arrive at the Memphis Driver Services Center at least 15 minutes before your appointment time, or earlier if you are walking in without an appointment. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to present. The office processes customers in order of arrival for walk-ins, though some offices use a ticket system.

Wait times vary significantly by time of day and day of week. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays. During peak times, waits can exceed two hours. Bring a book, phone, or other quiet activity to occupy yourself while waiting.

When your number is called, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo, and collect payment. If you are taking the written test that day, you will be directed to a testing station. If you are taking the road test, you will be scheduled for a time slot, which may be later that day or on a future date depending on examiner availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment at the Memphis Driver Services Center instead of walking in?

Tennessee's Driver Services offices accept both walk-ins and appointments. You can schedule an appointment through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling the Memphis location directly. Appointments typically reduce wait time, though they do not eliminate it entirely.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake either test without leaving the office, though you may need to wait for an examiner to become available. There is no limit to retakes. Each attempt may have a small fee; check the current fee schedule on the Department of Safety website before your visit.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license at the counter when ready after passing both tests. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

Do I need to take the written and road tests on the same day?

No. You can take the written test one day and schedule the road test for another day. However, you must pass the written test before you can take the road test. Many people take both on the same day to complete the process faster.

What if I moved to Millington from another state and have an out-of-state license?

You must obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to take both the written and road tests unless Tennessee has a reciprocal agreement with your previous state, which is rare. Bring your out-of-state license along with the other required documents.