Where to get a driver's license in Morristown

The Morristown Driver Services office is located at 560 West First North Street in Morristown, Tennessee. This is the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security facility where you can take the written test, the road test, and receive your license. You can also renew an existing license there, replace a lost or damaged license, or change information on your current license.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (423) 581-4030 to confirm when you can come in. Some services may require an appointment, particularly for road tests, which often have wait times of several weeks depending on the season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morristown Driver Services office at 560 West First North Street handles all driver's license services, including written tests, road tests, and renewals.
  • You will need to bring a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website.
  • Road tests typically have a wait of several weeks, so schedule early if you need a license by a specific date.
  • The cost of a driver's license varies depending on the type and length of validity, so ask the office staff for the current fee when you call.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires specific documents before you can take a test or renew a license. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card, and one document proving your current Tennessee address—such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A passport or state ID from another state can serve as proof of identity.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign consent forms. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Taking the written test

The written test at the Morristown office covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer questions on a computer or on paper, depending on what the office offers that day. Most people have 30 minutes to complete the test. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which the Department of Safety publishes free online. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many people also use practice tests available on the department's website to get familiar with the question format. You can take the written test as many times as you need, though you may have to pay a fee each time you retake it.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test at the same office. The road test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You drive a set route while an examiner watches and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer. Call (423) 581-4030 as soon as you pass the written test to book your slot. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, though you will likely wait several more weeks for the next available appointment.

Costs and license validity

The fee for a new driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid—typically four or eight years. Renewal fees are lower than the fee for a new license. Call the Morristown office to ask the current fee, as it may change. You can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts.

Once you pass both tests and pay the fee, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security card to the Morristown office. You will pay a fee for the new license, but you skip the testing step.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written and road tests, just as a first-time driver would. The office staff can tell you whether your specific situation requires testing when you call.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Tennessee license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the Morristown office without retaking tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. You do not need to take the written or road test unless the office has reason to require it—for example, if your medical status has changed.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the same office. Bring your Social Security card and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the fee for a new license. A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license would have been.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at the Morristown Driver Services office or at another Tennessee Driver Services location. There is no remote testing option.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt. There is usually a fee each time you retake the test.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass both tests?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the road test and paying the fee. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Both are valid for driving.

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

Road tests require an appointment and have long wait times. Written tests may not require an appointment, but call (423) 581-4030 to confirm the office's current policy before you go.

What if I move out of Morristown but still live in Tennessee?

You can renew or replace your license at any Tennessee Driver Services office. You do not have to return to Morristown. Find other locations on the Department of Safety website.