What you need to get a Tennessee driver's license
Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), proof of your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring proof of their identity and residency as well.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Tennessee offers the written test in multiple languages. If you are renewing a license you already hold, you may not need to retake the written test — the office will tell you when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of your Social Security number, Tennessee residency, and a valid ID.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test and a written test on traffic laws before receiving a license.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age, and renewal requires an in-person visit.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
- The cost of a license varies by type and age, and Tennessee accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices.
Types of Tennessee driver's licenses and who can get them
Tennessee issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older. A Class D Restricted license is for drivers 16 and 17 and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive — for example, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment.
If you are 16 or 17 and want a Restricted license, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision test; a learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you.
Tennessee also issues Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. A CDL requires additional testing and medical certification beyond a standard license.
The cost and how long a Tennessee license lasts
The fee for a new Class D driver's license is $27.50 if you are 18 to 64 years old. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $19. A Restricted license for drivers 16 and 17 costs $27.50. These fees cover the license itself and do not include the cost of the written test or vision test, which are included in the office visit.
A standard Class D license is valid for eight years if you are 18 to 64, and five years if you are 65 or older. A Restricted license is valid until you turn 18, at which point you can exchange it for a standard license. You do not pay an additional fee to exchange a Restricted license for a standard one if you do it before your Restricted license expires.
Tennessee accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most Driver Services offices, though a few locations may accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.
How to renew your Tennessee driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it in person at any Driver Services office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time process: proof of your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and a valid ID. You will need to pass a vision test, but you may not need to retake the written test — the office staff will let you know when you arrive.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will be treated as a new applicant and must pass both the vision test and the written test. You will also need to provide the same documents as someone getting a license for the first time.
Tennessee does not offer online or mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses. However, if you are 65 or older and your license is not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew by mail one time. Contact your local Driver Services office to ask whether you are may be able to access.
Where to go and how long it takes
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many offices are busier on certain days — typically Mondays and Fridays see longer waits — so visiting mid-week or mid-morning may mean a shorter wait.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Some offices have waits of 15 minutes, while others may have waits of an hour or more during peak times. The Department of Safety website shows estimated wait times for each office, updated throughout the day.
The actual appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, assuming all your documents are in order and you pass the vision and written tests on your first try. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A Tennessee driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to maintain car insurance. A suspension is temporary — your driving privileges are taken away for a set period, after which you can regain them. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee or most other states. You will need to contact the Driver Services office or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. This may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.
You can check the status of your license on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your Tennessee license
As of May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building in the United States. A Real ID license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. Tennessee began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and most new licenses issued now are Real ID-compliant.
When you renew your license or get a new one, ask the Driver Services office staff whether your new license will be Real ID-compliant. If you want to make sure your current license is Real ID-compliant, look for the star. If your license does not have the star and you need it for travel or federal building access, you can get a Real ID license by renewing early — you do not have to wait for your current license to expire.
To get a Real ID license, you will need to bring the same documents as for a regular renewal, plus one additional document that proves your current legal name (such as a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed). The fee is the same as a standard license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Tennessee law requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an identification card from the Department of Safety instead, which serves as proof of identity but does not allow you to drive. Contact your local Driver Services office to ask about this option.
What do I do if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. Most people who fail study the Tennessee Driver's Manual (available free on the Department of Safety website) and try again within a few hours. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.
How do I replace a lost or stolen Tennessee driver's license?
Visit any Driver Services office and bring proof of your identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee of $7.50 and receive a new license with the same number as your old one. The process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal does not extend the expiration date — your new license will expire on the same date your old one would have. Renewing early is useful if you need a Real ID license or if you want to update your address or photo.
What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?
You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Tennessee resident. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and a valid ID to any Driver Services office. You will need to pass the vision test and the written test, even if your out-of-state license is still valid.