Where to go for a Millington driver's license

Millington does not have its own driver's license office. To get a Tennessee driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The nearest offices to Millington are in Memphis, about 20 minutes away, or in other surrounding counties.

You can find the full list of Driver Services locations on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Search for "Driver Services office near me" or call 615-251-8590 to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some offices require you to book ahead, especially after the pandemic changed how many people they can serve at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Millington residents must go to a Memphis-area Driver Services office, not a local one, because Millington has no licensing location.
  • You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook online.
  • A standard driver's license costs around $27 for an eight-year renewal, though the exact fee depends on which type of license you need.
  • Bring your documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. A photocopy is not enough — you must show the original or a certified copy.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Millington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved to Tennessee, bring proof of your previous address as well.

If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office in person. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal.

The written test and what it covers

When you take your written test at the Driver Services office, you will answer questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you do not pass, you will need to schedule another appointment.

The Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website, covers everything on the test. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people study it for a few days before their test appointment. The handbook is straightforward and does not use complicated language.

Vision and road tests

At the Driver Services office, you will take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

For a standard driver's license, you do not take a road test at the office. However, if you are under 18, Tennessee requires you to complete a driver education course and a supervised driving period before you can get your license. If you are 18 or older, you can get your license based on the written test and vision screening alone.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard eight-year driver's license costs approximately $27, though the exact amount may vary slightly. You pay this fee at the Driver Services office when you pass your test. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is higher — around $35 to $40 — and you will need additional documents proving citizenship.

After you pass your test and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Do not throw away the paper license — you need it as proof until the card arrives.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and are moving to Tennessee, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without taking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of Social Security number to any Driver Services office. You will still need to pass the vision screening.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test. The same applies if you are moving from a country outside the United States — you will take the full test as if you were a new driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to the office?

You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are getting your first license or your license has been suspended, you must visit an office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test at your next appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to schedule another visit to the Driver Services office and pay the test fee again. Many people study the Tennessee Driver Handbook for a few more days before their second attempt.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

This depends on which office you visit. Some Memphis-area offices take walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call 615-251-8590 or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find out the policy at the office nearest to Millington before you go.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport or passport card instead. If you do not have either, you will need to order a birth certificate from the Tennessee Vital Records office or the state where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need to do this.

Can I get a Real ID license, and do I need one?

Yes, you can get a Real ID-compliant license at any Driver Services office. You will need it to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting in 2025. Bring your birth certificate or passport, Social Security proof, residency proof, and proof of citizenship such as a passport or naturalization certificate.