The main place to get a driver's license in Memphis is the Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services office
Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, not through a local Memphis office. The state operates a network of Driver Services locations across Tennessee, and the one serving the Memphis area is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the primary in-person location where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most driver's license transactions.
You can also renew your license online through the Tennessee Driver Services website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes since your last license. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail.
If you cannot visit the main Memphis office, Tennessee operates mobile Driver Services units that travel to different counties on a rotating schedule. You can check the state's website to see when a mobile unit will be in Shelby County (where Memphis is located) and what documents you need to bring.
Key Takeaways
- The main Driver Services office in Memphis is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and handles all types of driver's license transactions in person.
- You can renew your license online if it expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
- Tennessee operates mobile Driver Services units that visit Shelby County on a schedule you can check on the state website.
- You will need to bring specific documents — typically a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — regardless of which location you use.
- The office accepts appointments through the Tennessee Driver Services website, which can reduce wait times during busy periods.
What documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number for any new license or major renewal. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Tennessee driver's license. If you do not have one of these, you may be able to use a combination of documents — the Driver Services office can tell you whether your specific documents will work.
Proof of residency means a document showing your current Memphis address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work if they show your name and address and are dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You do not need to own property; renters can use a lease or a utility bill in their name.
Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide your number. If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
How to make an appointment at the Memphis office
The Tennessee Driver Services website allows you to book an appointment at the Poplar Avenue location in advance. Appointments reduce wait times, especially during peak hours. You can book online by visiting the state's Driver Services portal, selecting the Memphis location, and choosing an available date and time.
Walk-ins are also accepted at the Memphis office, but you may wait longer during morning hours and mid-week. If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, you can call the Driver Services customer service line, though wait times for phone support can be long during business hours.
The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Check the website or call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing.
Costs for a new license versus renewal
The cost of a driver's license in Tennessee depends on the type of transaction and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard driver's license valid for eight years costs one amount, while a four-year license costs less. A renewal costs less than a new license if you are straightforward extending an existing license without changes.
Online renewal is typically cheaper than in-person renewal because you avoid the office fee. If you renew in person at the Memphis office, you pay the standard renewal fee plus any applicable office processing fees. Exact amounts vary, so check the Tennessee Driver Services website or call the office before you go to confirm the current fee for your specific transaction.
Tennessee does not accept cash at all Driver Services locations. Bring a debit card, credit card, or check. Some locations may have ATMs nearby if you need to withdraw funds, but it is safer to bring a card.
What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions in Tennessee are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical issues flagged by the state. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or repeated serious violations.
You can check the status of your license on the Tennessee Driver Services website by entering your license number. If your license is suspended, the website will usually tell you why and what you need to do to restore it — often paying a fine, completing a course, or providing medical clearance.
Contact the Driver Services office directly if the website does not explain the reason for the suspension or if you believe it was made in error. Bring documentation of any payments you have made or any requirements you have completed, such as a course completion certificate.
Getting a Real ID compliant license in Memphis
Tennessee offers Real ID compliant driver's licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs slightly more than a standard license.
To get a Real ID license at the Memphis office, you need to bring the same documents as a regular license, plus additional proof of citizenship or legal residency status. This typically means a U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate for citizens. Non-citizens need to bring their immigration documents, such as a green card or visa.
You cannot renew a Real ID license online; you must explore in person at the Driver Services office. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online if it has not expired by more than one year and you have no changes to your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a driver's license after I explore in Memphis?
If you explore in person at the Poplar Avenue office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while your permanent card is mailed. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks. Online renewals take about two weeks from the time you submit your process.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. You must explore in person at the Memphis Driver Services office and bring all required documents as if you were getting a new license. The office can tell you whether you need to retake the written test or eye exam.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You can report a lost or stolen license and request a replacement at the Memphis office. Bring your identity and residency documents. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same way — you get a temporary paper license and the permanent one arrives by mail within a few weeks.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Memphis Driver Services office?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended because they reduce wait times. You can book an appointment online through the Tennessee Driver Services website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait one to two hours during busy times.
Can I get a duplicate license mailed to a different address than my current one?
No, your license is mailed to the address you provide on your process. If you are moving soon, update your address at the office before you leave, or update it online after you receive your new license if the system allows it. Contact Driver Services to confirm whether you can change your mailing address after you explore.