Where to Get a Tennessee Driver License

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section issues all driver licenses in Tennessee. You cannot get one from a county clerk, a DMV office (Tennessee does not have a DMV), or any private vendor — only from a Driver License office run by the state.

Tennessee operates Driver License offices in most counties. The main office is in Nashville, but you can visit any regional office in your county or a neighboring county. You do not have to go to the one closest to your home address. Each office handles the same transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.

You can find the office locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Hours vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday only, while larger offices may have extended hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's Driver License Section, part of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, is the only place to get a driver license — not county clerks or private agencies.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) before you visit.
  • A new driver license costs between $27 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at the office or at a separate testing location, depending on the office.
  • Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard license, but you can pay extra for a temporary paper license to drive home the same day.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). A school ID, work ID, or expired license does not count. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — a hospital copy does not work.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. A tax return counts only if it shows your full Social Security number.

For proof of Tennessee residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count unless it shows your physical address. If you have no utility bill or lease, ask the office what other documents they accept — some accept insurance policies or vehicle registration.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign a consent form at the office.

The Written Test, Vision Test, and Driving Test

You will take a written test on Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Driver License office. The office provides study materials online and in print. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

You will also take a vision test at the office. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye doctor and you will need to come back with a vision clearance form.

The driving test happens at the office or at a separate testing location, depending on which office you visit. You drive a state-owned vehicle with an examiner in the passenger seat. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle if your office does not provide one — ask when you call or visit. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period that varies by office; call to ask.

Cost and Payment

A new driver license costs $27 for an 8-year license or $32 for a 10-year license. You pay in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the office when you explore. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you want to drive home the same day instead of waiting for your license to arrive by mail, you can pay an extra fee for a temporary paper license. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and costs $5 to $10 depending on the office. Ask at the counter whether this option is available at your location.

Replacement licenses (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) cost $10 to $15. Address changes are free if you do them in person at the office.

How Long It Takes

A standard driver license arrives by mail in one to two weeks after you pass all tests and pay the fee. The office will give you a receipt that shows your process number. You can use the receipt to drive legally while you wait for your license to arrive.

If you need to drive before your license arrives, buy the temporary paper license at the office for $5 to $10. It is valid for 45 days and covers you until your permanent license comes in the mail.

If you are renewing an expired license, the process is faster — usually five to seven business days — because you do not have to retake the written or driving test.

Special Situations

If you are moving to Tennessee from another state, you must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license along with the three documents listed above (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency). You may not have to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will still take the vision and driving tests. Ask the office when you call.

If you are renewing an expired license, you can renew in person at the office or by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. To renew by mail, contact the Driver License Section for a renewal form. By-mail renewal costs less and takes longer — usually two to three weeks.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving (poor vision, seizures, hearing loss), you may need a medical clearance form from your doctor before you can get or renew a license. The office will tell you if this applies to you.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request an interpreter at the office. Call ahead to arrange this. Written tests can be given with extra time or in a format that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions. Contact the Driver License Section to request a renewal form. By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less than renewing in person. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must go to the office and retake the written and driving tests.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period. The length of the waiting period varies by office — some allow you to retake it the next day, while others require you to wait one to two weeks. Call your local Driver License office to ask how long you must wait before your next attempt.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Most Tennessee Driver License offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some larger offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the office website or call ahead to see if appointments are available at your location. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be long during busy hours.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

Bring a different proof of Social Security number instead: a W-2, a 1099, a tax return with your full number, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. You do not need the card itself. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a statement before you visit the Driver License office.

Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

The Driver License office will check for outstanding warrants and some unpaid traffic fines. If you have an active warrant, the office may refuse to issue a license. If you have unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket to resolve it before you explore. Call the Driver License office or the court to ask whether your specific situation will block you from getting a license.