Where to go for your driver's license in Shelbyville

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDHS) handles all driver's licenses in the state. In Shelbyville, you'll visit the local Driver Services office, which is located at 418 North Cannon Boulevard, Shelbyville, TN 37160. This is the only place in Shelbyville where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by day. Call ahead at the local office or check the TDHS website to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing changes can affect when they're open.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Shelbyville Driver Services office in person to get a new license or renew an expired one.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a valid photo ID if you're renewing.
  • The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free manual on the TDHS website before you go.
  • A new license costs $27 and is valid for five years; renewals cost the same amount.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days, and you'll receive your license by mail at the address you provide.

What documents you need to bring

For a new license, bring your original Social Security card, a document proving your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate or passport). If you're a non-citizen, you'll also need to show proof of legal presence in the United States.

For a renewal, the requirements are simpler: bring your current license and proof of residency. If your current license is expired by more than one year, you may need to retake the written and vision tests, so check with the office first if your license has been expired for a long time.

Bring the originals, not copies. The office staff will verify them and return them to you. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

The written test and what to study

If you're getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll take a written test at the office. The test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass.

The TDHS publishes a free Tennessee Driver's Manual online that covers everything on the test. Read through it before your appointment—most people spend 2 to 3 hours studying. The manual is available as a PDF on the TDHS website, and you can also pick up a printed copy at the Shelbyville office.

You'll also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you can't get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor first.

The cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $27 and is valid for five years. A renewal also costs $27. You pay at the office when you complete your process. The office does not accept all payment methods, so call ahead to confirm whether they take card, cash, or both.

After you finish at the office, the TDHS mails your license to the address you provide. This usually takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the real one to arrive in the mail.

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, go to the Shelbyville office and tell them. You'll fill out a replacement form and pay $27 for a new license. You don't have to retake the written or vision test—the office will issue a new license with the same information as your old one.

Bring your Social Security card and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. If you can't remember your license number, the office can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Renewing by mail or online

Tennessee allows some people to renew their license by mail without going to the office. You're may be able to access if your license is not expired, you're between 18 and 64 years old, and you haven't had any major violations or address changes since your last license. If you meet these conditions, you can request a renewal form from the TDHS website or by calling the office.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal—usually 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your form. You'll still pay $27, and your new license will be mailed to you. If you don't meet the conditions for mail renewal, you must go to the office in person.

What to do if you fail the test or vision check

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There's no extra fee for retakes. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the manual more carefully.

If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day. You'll need to see an eye doctor and get a statement showing your vision meets Tennessee's requirements (20/40 or better in each eye, with or without correction). Bring that statement to the office on your next visit, and you can complete your license without retaking the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must go to the Shelbyville Driver Services office to take the written test in person. The office staff administer the test to make sure it's done fairly. You can study the manual at home, but the actual test happens at the office.

What if I move out of Shelbyville after I get my license?

Your Tennessee license is valid anywhere in the state and in all other states. You don't need to get a new one just because you moved. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a license from that state's DMV.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Most Tennessee licenses are valid for five years from the date they're issued. You can renew it anytime in the 90 days before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day.

What if I have a commercial driver's license or a CDL?

CDL testing and renewal follow different rules than regular licenses and require additional testing. Contact the Shelbyville office directly to find out what documents and tests you need, since CDL requirements depend on the type of vehicle you drive.

Can someone else pick up my license for me after it arrives?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provide on your process. You don't pick it up at the office—it comes to you by mail. Make sure you give the office a mailing address where you'll receive mail reliably.