Where to get your Tennessee driver's license
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's licenses in Tennessee. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a Driver Services office in person with the required documents.
Tennessee has Driver Services locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Each location handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements, though some smaller offices have limited hours.
Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a Tennessee driver's license.
- Tennessee offers both regular licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025.
- A standard driver's license is valid for five years; a REAL ID license is also valid for five years but costs slightly more.
- You can renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions, but most people must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
- Appointment slots fill up quickly at busy locations, so check availability early if you need a license by a specific date.
Documents you need to bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a certified court document showing your legal name. You also need one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
You must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will also need a valid photo ID if you are renewing or replacing a license.
If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport and visa or work permit. Bring the original documents, not copies — the office will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports.
The difference between a standard license and a REAL ID
A standard Tennessee driver's license works for driving and state identification. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Both licenses are valid for five years. A REAL ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license — the exact fee depends on your age and license type. If you already have a REAL ID license, you do not need to do anything; it will remain valid until your renewal date.
If you want to switch from a standard license to a REAL ID before your renewal date, you can visit a Driver Services office and pay the difference. You will need to bring the same documents as you would for a new license.
How to renew your license by mail
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 64 years old, and you have not had any address changes since your last license was issued. You must also not have any medical conditions that would require an in-person vision test.
To renew by mail, contact a Driver Services office or visit the Department of Safety website to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include your current license, and mail it with the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after the office receives your process.
If your license has expired, you have had an address change, or you are over 64, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The same applies if you want to change your name or if you need a REAL ID license for the first time.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive, bring all your documents to the counter. A staff member will review them, ask you to sign your process, and take your photo. You will also take a vision test and a written test on traffic laws and road signs.
The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
After you pass both tests, you will pay the license fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied.
Fees and payment methods
A five-year standard driver's license costs one amount; a five-year REAL ID license costs slightly more. Fees vary slightly depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged one. The Driver Services office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive.
Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment is due when you complete your process in person.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
Report a lost or stolen license to the Driver Services office as soon as you can. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, and a valid photo ID. You will pay a replacement fee, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can replace it at any Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. A damaged license replacement is usually cheaper than replacing a lost one.
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid Tennessee driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass your tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the office where you applied.
Can I renew my license online?
No. Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and address requirements, or you must visit a Driver Services office in person. Call your local office to ask about mail renewal options.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you may need to wait before taking it a third time — ask the staff member what the waiting period is. Study the Tennessee Driver Handbook before your next attempt.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Tennessee?
No. A standard driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in Tennessee and the United States. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 2025.
What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?
You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Tennessee, your birth certificate, and your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests again.