What you need to get a Tennessee driver license
To get a Tennessee driver license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Tennessee does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
The state issues two types of licenses: a regular driver license (valid for five years) and a REAL ID-compliant license (valid for eight years). The REAL ID license costs more but is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. You choose which type when you explore.
The entire process — from arrival to leaving with your license — typically takes two to three hours at a Driver Services Center, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return) to a Driver Services Center.
- A regular Tennessee driver license costs $27.50 and is valid for five years; a REAL ID license costs $32.50 and is valid for eight years.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and driving test before receiving your license, and you must pass all three.
- Appointments are not required at most Driver Services Centers, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
- If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
Documents to bring to the Driver Services Center
Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A post office mail forwarding notice does not. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A Social Security letter from the SSA also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring documentation of your immigration status instead.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in Spanish. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online on the Department of Safety website.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test that day, and you will need to return after seeing an eye doctor.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver Services Center. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic signals. You must demonstrate safe driving throughout. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to return to the center on another day.
Renewing your Tennessee driver license
If your license is still valid or expired fewer than five years ago, you may renew by mail without visiting a Driver Services Center. To renew by mail, you must have no medical restrictions, no name changes since your last license, and no address changes. You will send your current license, a completed renewal form (DL 43), and the renewal fee to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. In-person renewal is faster — you will receive your license the same day — but you will retake the vision test and may be asked to retake the written test depending on your age and how long it has been since your last license.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. You will need all three categories of documents and will take all three tests.
Costs and payment methods
A regular Tennessee driver license costs $27.50 and is valid for five years. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $32.50 and is valid for eight years. These are the only two options; Tennessee does not offer licenses valid for other lengths of time.
Driver Services Centers accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some centers also accept checks. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location, as not all centers accept all forms of payment.
If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order with your renewal form. Do not send cash through the mail.
Finding a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee has 73 Driver Services Centers across the state. You can find the one nearest you, check current wait times, and reserve an appointment time slot on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or zip code to see locations, hours, and phone numbers.
Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. A few rural centers have limited hours or are open only certain days of the week. Check the website before you travel to confirm the center is open when you plan to visit.
If you cannot reach a center near you, you can call the main Driver Services phone line at 615-251-8590 to ask about alternatives or to get help finding documents.
What to do if you lose or damage your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services Center. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency (the same documents you would bring for a new license). You do not need to retake the tests. A replacement license costs $27.50 for a regular license or $32.50 for a REAL ID license.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit report for fraud. A stolen license can be used to commit identity theft or to obtain credit in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead — such as a passport, visa, work permit, or green card. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency. Contact your local Driver Services Center before you visit to confirm what immigration documents they accept.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to return to the Driver Services Center and pay the test fee again. Some people retake the test the next day; others wait a week or two to practice more driving.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver Services Center?
Appointments are not required, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait one to three hours depending on the center and the time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than visiting on Friday afternoon.
Can I renew my license online?
No. Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
What is the difference between a regular license and a REAL ID license?
A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. A regular license cannot be used for these purposes. The REAL ID license costs $5 more and is valid for eight years instead of five. If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, a REAL ID license is worth the extra cost.