Memphis Driver's License Office Locations and Hours
Tennessee's driver's license services in Memphis are handled by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. 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's license in Shelby County.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at (901) 465-8500 before you visit is worth your time. Wait times vary significantly depending on the day and time — early mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than late afternoons or Fridays.
There is no appointment system for standard driver's license transactions at the Memphis location, so you arrive and take a number. During peak periods, waits can exceed two hours. Some transactions, like commercial driver's license (CDL) testing, may have different procedures or require advance notice.
Key Takeaways
- The main Memphis driver's license office is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment system.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew or obtain a license.
- Bring original or certified copies of documents — photocopies are not accepted for most transactions.
- Renewal by mail is available in Tennessee if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, which can save you a trip to the office.
- Call (901) 465-8500 to confirm current hours or ask about specific document requirements before you visit.
Documents You Need to Bring
Tennessee requires specific documents for any driver's license transaction. For a new license or renewal, bring a valid form of primary identification — a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A secondary form of ID, like a Social Security card or insurance card, is also required.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. The office does not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified and may need to be accompanied by proof of citizenship. Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card — you will need to provide it during the process.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, the document requirements are less strict, but you still need proof of residency and a valid ID. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office
Tennessee allows renewal by mail if your current driver's license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You must have held your current license for at least one year, have no medical restrictions, and not have any outstanding violations or suspensions. The mail renewal form is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
To renew by mail, complete the process form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $27 for a four-year license, though this may vary), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. This option is useful if you cannot take time off work or prefer to avoid the office wait.
If you do not meet the conditions for mail renewal — for example, if your license has expired or you have medical restrictions — you must visit the office in person.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive at the Memphis office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, but the wait before that can be much longer.
You will be asked to sign your process and confirm your address and other information. If you are getting a new license for the first time, you may be asked to take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. You will also take a vision test. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Your temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver's license fees in Tennessee depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $54. A commercial driver's license has different fees depending on the class and endorsements. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as renewal. If you are getting your first license, the fee is the same as a standard renewal. There are no additional processing fees at the Memphis office.
Special Circumstances and CDL Testing
If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is more involved. You must pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you will drive, and you must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control, and an on-road driving test. CDL testing is offered at the Memphis office, but you should call ahead to schedule your skills test, as slots fill up.
If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, you may need a medical certificate from your doctor. Some conditions require restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses only or daylight driving only. The office will explain what restrictions explore based on your medical history.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Tennessee does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the conditions, or you can visit the Memphis office in person. The mail option takes two to three weeks, while an in-person renewal is completed the same day.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement?
Visit the Memphis office with proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. Your temporary license is printed when ready, and your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you suspect your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Memphis driver's license office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait. There is no appointment system for standard transactions. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
What if I moved to Memphis from another state?
You must obtain a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Memphis address, and your Social Security card or number. The office will process your new Tennessee license and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?
A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can choose to purchase an eight-year license for double the fee. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year the license term ends.