Memphis Driver License Office Locations and Hours
Tennessee's driver license services in Memphis are handled by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Licenses. The main office is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the primary location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license in person.
Hours vary by location and season. The Poplar Avenue office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead at (901) 595-1020 to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing changes and maintenance closures happen without advance notice on websites.
Tennessee also operates a satellite office in East Memphis at 5055 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100, though this location handles limited services. Call the main office number to confirm whether your specific transaction is available at the satellite location before making the trip.
Key Takeaways
- The main Memphis driver license office is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses in person.
- You must bring your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- Call (901) 595-1020 before you go to confirm hours, since closures and staffing changes are not always posted online.
- Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you have not had more than one address change since your last renewal.
- Wait times are longest on Fridays and during lunch hours; early morning visits typically move faster.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Tennessee requires specific documents depending on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or stolen one, or obtaining your first license. For any transaction, bring your current valid ID (passport, military ID, or existing driver license) and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address works.
You will also need to prove your identity and Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a birth certificate issued by a state vital records office. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing and your current license is still valid, you may not need all of these documents. Call the office before you go to confirm what you specifically need for your situation, since requirements shift based on whether your license is expired, suspended, or straightforward due for renewal.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
Not every renewal requires a trip to the office. Tennessee allows mail renewal if your current license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have not changed your address more than once since your last renewal, and you are not over 70 years old. You can request a renewal form by calling (901) 595-1020 or visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Online renewal is not currently available for driver licenses in Tennessee, though the state has announced plans to expand online services. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your completed form and payment. If you need your license sooner, an in-person visit is faster.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must go to the office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a renewal: current ID, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (the amount varies and changes annually; call the office for the current fee).
The office will issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is sufficient for law enforcement stops.
Getting Your First License or Upgrading to a Real ID
First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test. You cannot do any of these by mail. Schedule your appointment by calling (901) 595-1020, as walk-ins for testing may face long waits or be turned away if the office is at capacity.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 2025), you must explore in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address. A Real ID costs the same as a standard license but is valid for eight years instead of five.
Wait Times and How to Avoid Them
The Memphis office is busiest on Fridays and between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on any weekday. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning before 10 a.m., you will typically wait less than 30 minutes. Mondays are moderately busy as people return from weekends.
Tennessee does not currently offer appointment scheduling for driver license services, so you cannot reserve a time slot. Arriving early in the day is your best strategy. Bring something to read or work on, as wait times can stretch to an hour during peak periods, especially near the end of the month when people rush to renew before expiration.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit the office in person and may need to provide additional documents depending on why the suspension occurred—proof of insurance, completion of a defensive driving course, or payment of outstanding fines.
Call (901) 595-1020 and ask specifically what is required to lift your suspension before you go. The office staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access to reinstate your license and what paperwork you need. Some suspensions require action from another agency (like the court system) before the driver license office can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but you must renew in person at the office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, and the office will issue a new license valid for five years from the renewal date.
How much does a driver license cost in Tennessee?
Standard driver license renewal costs vary based on how long you want the license to be valid. Call (901) 595-1020 for the current fee, as prices change annually. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but last eight years instead of five.
What if I cannot find my Social Security card?
Bring your birth certificate instead. Tennessee accepts either a Social Security card or a certified birth certificate as proof of your Social Security number. If you have neither, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before your office visit.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
The Memphis office operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most transactions. However, road tests for first-time applicants may require scheduling. Call the office to ask whether your specific transaction needs an appointment.
What if the office is closed when I need to renew?
If your license is not expired and you have not changed address more than once, you can renew by mail. Request a form by calling (901) 595-1020. If your license is already expired or you need it urgently, plan your visit for the next business day the office is open.