What you need to get a Tennessee driver's license
To get a Tennessee driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Tennessee does not issue licenses by mail or online. The documents you bring must prove your identity, Social Security number, and Tennessee residency — and they must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
The state accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card as proof of identity. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For Tennessee residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a completed process for Driving Privilege (Form DL-44) if you do not. The process is available at any Driver Services office or on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Tennessee residency.
- Tennessee charges different fees depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one — fees range but are typically under $35 for a standard license.
- You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
- A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
- You can renew your license in person at a Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions and your license is not expired by more than two years.
Fees and what they cover
Tennessee charges a fee when you get a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged one. The exact amount depends on the type of license you are getting and how long it is valid for. A standard five-year driver's license costs less than a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement.
When you pay the fee at a Driver Services office, it covers the cost of the license itself, the written test, the vision screening, and the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you do not pay again to retake it — you can schedule another test at no additional cost, though you may need to wait a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written knowledge test. The test has 30 questions and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass.
You can study for the test using the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, which is free and available at any Driver Services office or on the department's website. Many people also study using online practice tests, which mimic the real test format. The handbook covers everything the test will ask about, so reading it carefully is the most direct way to prepare.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
The driving test and scheduling it
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you will take a driving test with an examiner. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver Services office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, stopping, and merging, and will watch how you handle traffic and follow traffic laws.
You must bring your own vehicle to the driving test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. You cannot use a vehicle belonging to someone else unless you have their permission in writing, and the examiner may ask to see it.
Scheduling a driving test can take several weeks depending on how busy your local Driver Services office is. You can schedule online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by phone, or in person at the office. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it at no extra cost, but you may have to wait for the next available appointment.
Renewing your Tennessee license
A Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years. You can renew it in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. To renew by mail, your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions on your license, and you must not have any outstanding violations or suspensions.
If you renew in person, you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You will also take a new vision test. You do not have to retake the written or driving test unless the examiner has reason to believe you are not safe to drive.
If you renew by mail, you will fill out a renewal form, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The form is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or at any Driver Services office. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services office. Bring your proof of identity and residency (the same documents you would bring to renew), and pay the replacement fee. You do not have to retake any tests — the replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the police report. Some people also contact their bank and credit card companies to let them know, since a driver's license is a common form of ID for fraud. The replacement license will have a new number, so your old number will no longer be valid.
Special licenses and endorsements
Tennessee offers several types of licenses beyond the standard driver's license. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle on public roads. Both require additional testing and fees beyond a standard license.
To get a CDL, you must pass a written test specific to commercial driving, a vision test, and a driving test in a commercial vehicle. To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test about motorcycle safety and a riding test on a motorcycle. You can add an endorsement to an existing license or get one when you first get your license.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, its hours, and how to schedule a test on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Wait times at Driver Services offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier than those in smaller towns. If you want to avoid a long wait, calling ahead or visiting early in the morning or mid-week is often faster than going on a Friday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Tennessee law requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, which some states accept. Contact your local Driver Services office to ask whether they accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license after I pass the tests?
You receive your license the same day you pass the driving test. The office will take your photo and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at no extra cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may take a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.
Can I renew my Tennessee license online?
No. Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. The mail-in process takes two to four weeks.
What do I do if my address changes after I get my license?
You can update your address at any Driver Services office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). There is no fee to update your address. You do not need to get a new license unless you want one.