How to Get a Driver License or ID at Shelby County

Where the Shelby County Driver License Office is Located

Shelby County operates a driver license office in Memphis, the county seat. The main office is at 1060 Germantown Parkway, Memphis, TN 38138. This is the location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license or state ID card in person.

Before you go, check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because office hours can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number for the Memphis location is (901) 465-8500. Having the correct hours saves you a trip.

Key Takeaways

The main Shelby County driver license office is at 1060 Germantown Parkway in Memphis, and you should call (901) 465-8500 to confirm hours before you go.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or ID card.
Tennessee allows you to renew your license online or by mail if you are renewing an existing license and meet certain conditions, which is faster than going in person.
If you need a replacement license quickly, the office can issue a temporary paper license the same day while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. A photocopy will not work.

For proof of residency, bring an original utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. A driver license from another state counts as proof of identity but not residency. If you do not have a document in your current name, bring a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. 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, or bring your ITIN documentation.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

If you already have a valid Tennessee driver license and it is not expired by more than one year, you can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to use the online system. Request a renewal form from the driver license office or read it from the state website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you do not have to leave home.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, or if you have had a name change. In those cases, you must go to the office in person.

Getting a Real ID-Compliant License

Tennessee offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the United States after May 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.

To get a Real ID license, you must go to the driver license office in person and bring the same documents as you would for a regular license, plus one additional document proving your current address if your identity document does not show it. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for eight years.

Getting a Same-Day Temporary License

If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the Shelby County office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. You will still need to bring all required documents and pay the full license fee.

The temporary license is printed at the office and given to you when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive, because it is your proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the Shelby County office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency just as you would for a new license. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, but you will need to provide your Social Security number.

A replacement license costs less than a new license and is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date. For example, if your license was set to expire in 2027 and you replace it in 2024, the replacement will also expire in 2027. If you want a new expiration date, you can renew at the same time, but that costs more.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license and state ID fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year driver license costs one amount, while a four-year license costs less. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license. State ID cards have their own fee, which is lower than a driver license.

The Shelby County office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not accept credit cards by mail. Call (901) 465-8500 to ask about the exact fee for the type of license you need, because fees can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you must go to the driver license office in person if your license has been expired for more than one year. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military discharge papers, or other original identity documents instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Tennessee Department of Vital Records to order a certified copy of your birth certificate before you go to the driver license office.

How long does it take to get a license after I explore in person?

Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready, ask for a temporary paper license at the office — it is issued the same day and is valid for 30 days.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Tennessee?

No, a standard driver license is fine for driving. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025. A standard license is still valid for all driving purposes.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must go to the driver license office in person to change your address. You cannot do it online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and your identity documents.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.