Where to get your Millington driver license

Millington, Tennessee does not have its own driver license office. The nearest Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Driver Services location is in Memphis, about 20 miles south. You can visit the Memphis office to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or make changes to your current license.

The Memphis Driver Services office is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the facility that serves Millington residents. You can also check the TDOSHS website for current hours and any service changes, as hours vary by season and may be affected by staffing or maintenance.

If traveling to Memphis is not practical, Tennessee also offers some services by mail for renewals and address changes, though new licenses and certain other transactions require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Millington residents must go to the Memphis Driver Services office on Poplar Avenue, about 20 miles away, to obtain or renew a driver license.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation in order to complete your transaction.
  • New driver licenses require an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test; renewals may be handled by mail if you meet certain conditions.
  • The Memphis office hours change seasonally, so check the TDOSHS website or call ahead before making the trip.
  • Tennessee driver licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires specific documents for a new driver license. You must bring a valid form of identification—such as a passport, military ID, or state ID—along with proof that you live in Millington or Shelby County. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025), you will need additional documentation proving citizenship or legal residency status.

Bring your current license if you are renewing or making changes. If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to file a report with local law enforcement, depending on the circumstances.

New license versus renewal: what is different

A new driver license requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the TDOSHS website. The driving test is conducted by a TDOSHS examiner and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

A renewal is simpler if you are straightforward extending an existing license without changes. Many renewals can be completed by mail or online if your license is not expired by more than a certain period and you have no medical or legal restrictions. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to change information like your address or name, you may need to visit the office in person.

If you are under 18, the process is different. Tennessee has a graduated licensing system with a learner's permit stage and a restricted license stage before you can obtain an unrestricted license. Each stage has specific age requirements and driving hour minimums.

Testing and what to expect on the day

Arrive at the Memphis Driver Services office early, as wait times can be long during peak hours. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the day and time. The office typically processes customers on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations use appointment systems—check the TDOSHS website to see if the Memphis office offers appointments.

When your turn comes, a staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. If you are taking the written test, you will be directed to a testing station where you will answer multiple-choice questions on a computer. Most people complete this in 20 to 30 minutes. If you pass, you will then schedule a driving test appointment, which may be on the same day or a future date depending on examiner availability.

For the driving test, bring your vehicle and a licensed adult if you are under 18. The examiner will check your vehicle's safety equipment, ask you to perform basic maneuvers, and evaluate your driving on local roads. Common reasons for failing include failure to stop completely at stop signs, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors frequently.

Fees and payment methods

Tennessee driver license fees vary based on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license. Renewal fees are lower than fees for new licenses. The Memphis office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card—confirm accepted payment methods when you call ahead.

If you are renewing by mail, you will need to include a check or money order with your process. The TDOSHS website lists the current fee schedule and the mailing address for mail-in renewals.

Real ID compliance and what it means

A Real ID-compliant driver license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you plan to fly domestically or visit federal facilities, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of identification such as a passport.

Obtaining a Real ID license requires additional documentation beyond a standard license. You must prove citizenship or legal residency with documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration paperwork. The fee is higher than a standard license. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at the Memphis office without retaking the driving test.

Address changes and other updates

If you move within Tennessee and need to update your address on your driver license, you can do so by mail for a small fee if your license is not expired. The TDOSHS website has a mail-in form for address changes. If your license is expired or if you need to change other information such as your name, you will need to visit the Memphis office in person.

Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy along with your current license and proof of residency. The process is the same as renewing your license, and you will receive a new license with your updated name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail from Millington?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you are only renewing without changes. You can mail in your process with the required fee and a copy of your current license. The process takes several weeks. If your license is expired by more than a certain period or if you need to change information, you must visit the Memphis office in person.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a set number of days. The examiner will tell you the waiting period and explain what you need to work on. You do not need to retake the written test unless it has expired. You will pay the test fee again when you retake it.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the test?

You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your test. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

Do I need an appointment at the Memphis office?

Check the TDOSHS website or call the Memphis office to learn about appointments are available. Some locations offer appointments to reduce wait times, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead also lets you confirm current hours and any temporary closures.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can request a replacement at the Memphis office. Bring your identification and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you may be asked to file a report, though this is not always required. A replacement license costs less than a new license and will have the same expiration date as your original.