Where to go for a Tennessee driver's license in Nashville

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) runs the driver's license program. In Nashville, you'll visit a Driver Services Center, not a local courthouse or police station. The main Nashville location is the Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the Nashville metro area, but the Foster Avenue location handles all transactions.

You do not need an appointment for most transactions, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The center is typically less crowded on weekday mornings. You can check current wait times on the TDSHHS website before you go, which saves you a trip if the wait is over an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • The Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue in Nashville is where you get or renew a Tennessee driver's license; no appointment is required.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to complete the transaction.
  • A new driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $28.50 and extends your license for another eight years.
  • Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the counter, valid for 30 days.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or a previous Tennessee driver's license. If you don't have any of those, you can use a certified birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a school ID or employee badge.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Nashville address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option because the staff recognizes it when ready.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and documentation showing you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

The cost and how long it takes

A new Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50. A renewal also costs $28.50. You pay at the counter when you complete your transaction. The Driver Services Center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

The actual counter transaction takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your address and driving history, and sign the back of your temporary license. Your permanent license is printed at a state facility and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can drive using the temporary paper license the staff gives you at the counter.

Getting a temporary license while you wait for your permanent one

When you finish your transaction at the counter, the staff will give you a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being mailed. You do not need to request it — you receive it automatically.

Keep the temporary license in your vehicle at all times while you are driving. If you are stopped by police, show them both the temporary license and your ID. The temporary license is not a backup; it is your only valid license until the permanent card arrives. If you lose it before your permanent license comes, return to the Driver Services Center and request a replacement.

Renewing a license that is expiring soon

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license up to one year before it expires. If your license is still valid, bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is identical to getting a new license, and the cost is the same ($28.50).

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process is the same as getting a new license. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, request the temporary paper license at the counter.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

If your Tennessee driver's license was lost or stolen, go to the Driver Services Center and tell the staff. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license. The staff will issue a replacement license with a new number. The cost is $28.50, the same as a new license.

You do not need to file a police report to replace a lost or stolen license, though you can if you want to. The Driver Services Center will not ask for one. If your license was stolen along with other documents or cards, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, but that is separate from replacing your driver's license.

Changing your address on your current license

If you moved to a new address in Nashville but your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address without renewing. Go to the Driver Services Center and bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will not need to pay a fee for an address change.

The staff will issue you a new license card with your updated address. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you prefer not to get a new card, you can update your address online through the TDSHHS website, and the address change will be recorded in the system even though your physical card still shows the old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Tennessee does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit the Driver Services Center in person. However, if you are a Tennessee resident living outside the state, you can contact the TDSHHS to ask about options; some situations may allow renewal by mail, but this is rare and requires advance approval.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and proof that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The process is otherwise the same, and the cost is the same ($28.50).

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so in most cases you will receive it before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the TDSHHS to check the status.

What if I moved out of state — do I need a Tennessee license?

No. If you move out of Tennessee, you should get a driver's license from your new state. You do not need to formally surrender your Tennessee license, but you should not renew it. If you move back to Tennessee later, you can get a new Tennessee license at that time.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Nashville?

Yes. Tennessee driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default. When you get or renew your license at the Driver Services Center, you will receive a Real ID compliant card. You do not need to request it or pay extra. The card will have a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates Real ID compliance.