What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver license
To get a new Tennessee driver license, you visit a Driver Services Center in person with the required documents, pass a vision test and written exam, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Tennessee issues driver licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which operates Driver Services Centers across the state. You cannot do this by mail or online — you must appear in person. The state does not send you a license without a visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number to a Driver Services Center.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook online before you go.
- The vision test happens at the center — you do not need a separate eye exam — and you must pass it to receive your license.
- The fee for a new driver license is $28.50 for an eight-year license; you pay at the center when you finish your exam.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail; do not expect the card the same day.
Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring one document that proves your identity. The state accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.
Bring one document that proves you live in Tennessee. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Write down your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself, but you must know the number and provide it when you explore. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the Driver Services Center, and you take it after you submit your documents.
The Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website, covers all the material on the test. Read through it before your visit — most people who study the handbook pass on their first try. The handbook is also available in Spanish.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge. You can retake it as many times as you need during your visit, but most centers close by 5 p.m., so plan accordingly.
The vision test and photo at the center
After you pass the written test, a staff member conducts a vision screening using a machine at the center. You read letters or numbers on a screen from a set distance. You must see well enough to meet Tennessee's standard — usually 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you.
If you fail the vision test, the center cannot issue you a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed, and return to the center with that form. Some centers can refer you to a local eye doctor if you need one.
After you pass the vision test, a staff member takes your photo. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for eight years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, except for religious head coverings.
Paying the fee and receiving your temporary license
The fee for a new eight-year Tennessee driver license is $28.50. You pay this at the center after you pass both the written and vision tests. The center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Once you pay, the staff member prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and works anywhere a regular driver license works — you can drive home that day. The temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card.
Your plastic driver license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Keep your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.
Finding a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and phone number of the center nearest you on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county name or zip code to see which centers serve your area.
Some centers are busier than others, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will usually wait less time. A few centers take appointments; check the website to see if yours does.
If you cannot reach a center by phone, you can visit in person during business hours to ask questions or get directions. Staff can also tell you how long the wait is before you sit down.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at the same center at no extra charge. You do not have to leave and come back another day. Most people who study the handbook before they arrive pass on the second attempt.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test during a single visit, but the center closes at a set time each day. If you fail multiple times and the center is about to close, you can schedule another appointment for a different day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get a driver license?
Most Tennessee Driver Services Centers do not require appointments and serve people on a first-come, first-served basis. A few centers in larger cities offer appointments. Check the Department of Safety website for your specific center to see if appointments are available or recommended.
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The center will process your process using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead.
What if I lose my temporary paper license before the plastic card arrives?
Contact the Driver Services Center where you applied and ask for a replacement temporary license. Bring your proof of identity and residency again. There may be a small fee for a replacement.
Can I renew my license by mail if I already have one?
Renewal by mail is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. A new license for someone who has never held a Tennessee license must be done in person at a Driver Services Center.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to the test?
Yes, bring whatever corrective lenses you normally wear when driving. The vision test will be done with your glasses or contacts on. Your license will note whether you are required to wear corrective lenses while driving.