Where the Paris Driver License Office Is Located

The Paris driver license office is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is located at 305 East Wood Street in Paris, Tennessee 38242. This is the only full-service driver license office in Henry County, so it handles all license types — standard licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and renewals.

The office is inside a state building shared with other Tennessee services. Street parking is available nearby, and the building is accessible from the main downtown area. If you are unsure whether you have found the right entrance, call ahead at the main office number to confirm the current entrance and any temporary changes.

Hours and How to Plan Your Visit

The Paris office operates during standard state business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call before you go. The office does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served.

Wait times vary by day and time. Early morning on weekdays tends to be shorter than mid-morning or afternoon. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as those days draw higher traffic. Bring a book or your phone; waits of 30 minutes to over an hour are common during peak periods.

Key Takeaways

  • The Paris driver license office is at 305 East Wood Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation in person — no online or mail-in option exists for most transactions.
  • The office does not take reservations, so arrive early on a weekday morning to minimize wait time.
  • Bring the specific documents required for your transaction type, because missing paperwork will send you home to gather it and return another day.
  • Commercial driver license testing and standard license testing both happen at this location, but you must schedule the written test separately through the state system.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents for a new driver license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents accepted depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate issued by a state vital records office, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Call the office to ask whether your specific situation qualifies for mail renewal, because the rules change based on when your license expires.

Getting Your Written Test and Road Test Scheduled

If you are getting your first Tennessee driver license or your license has expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test and a road test. The written test happens at the Paris office, but you do not walk in and take it the same day — you must schedule it through the Tennessee Department of Safety online system or by phone.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule the road test separately. Road tests in Henry County are administered by the state, and availability depends on how many examiners are assigned to the Paris location. Road test wait times can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the season and demand.

Bring your learner's permit to both the written and road tests. For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition, and you must have a licensed adult in the car with you.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Requirements

The Paris office issues commercial driver licenses, but the process is longer and more involved than a standard license. You must hold a valid Tennessee driver license first, pass a medical examination by a certified examiner, and pass both a written test and a road test specific to the CDL class you are seeking.

CDL written tests cover general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, or hazardous materials depending on the endorsement you need. You must schedule these tests in advance. Road tests for CDLs are also scheduled separately and typically take longer than standard road tests because the examiner checks more vehicle systems and driving skills.

Bring your medical certificate (also called a Medical Examiner's Certificate) to your CDL appointment. If you do not have one, the office can direct you to a certified medical examiner in the area, but you must get the exam done before you can complete your CDL process.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Tennessee vary by license type and how long the license is valid. A standard driver license typically costs between $25 and $35 depending on whether you are getting an eight-year or five-year license. Commercial driver licenses cost more — usually $50 to $75 depending on endorsements. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged licenses cost less than a new license.

The Paris office accepts cash and checks. Some locations accept card payments, but call ahead to confirm whether the Paris office has card processing available. Bring exact change or a check to avoid delays.

What to Do If You Have an Out-of-State License

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Tennessee or establishing residency here, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Tennessee, and proof of your Social Security number.

Your Tennessee license will be valid for the same length of time as your out-of-state license would have been, up to the maximum allowed in Tennessee. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take the written and road tests as if you were getting your first license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You may be able to renew by mail if your license is still valid and you meet Tennessee's age and renewal timeline requirements. Call the Paris office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see whether your specific license qualifies. If it does, you can mail in your process and fee without visiting in person.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

Bring a police report of the loss (if you filed one), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is lower than a new license fee. You do not need to retake tests for a replacement — the office will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Paris office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments. Arrive early on a weekday morning to reduce your wait time. Call the office if you want to know current wait times before you go.

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the road test separately. Road test availability depends on examiner schedules, so there is usually at least a few days between the two tests.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule it again through the state system. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can schedule your next attempt. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit expires.