Where to renew your license in Memphis
In Memphis, you renew your driver license at a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main office serving Memphis is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the busiest location in Shelby County, so expect wait times of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Tennessee also operates a satellite office at 3277 Volunteer Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, which typically has shorter wait times. Both locations handle standard renewals, but you should call ahead to confirm current hours and whether they are accepting walk-ins or operating by appointment. You can reach the Poplar Avenue office at (901) 465-6500.
If you cannot visit in person, Tennessee allows mail-in renewal for certain drivers. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The mail-in process takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process.
Key Takeaways
- The main Memphis Driver Services office is at 1150 Poplar Avenue; a second location at 3277 Volunteer Drive usually has shorter waits.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
- Standard renewals cost $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license; the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
- Mail-in renewal is available only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- Arriving early in the morning on a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires three categories of documents at renewal: your current driver license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring the actual documents, not copies, because the office staff will examine them in person.
For proof of residency, bring one of these: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or rental agreement, a recent bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Memphis address and be dated within the last 60 days.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a recent W-2 form, a recent tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Staff will verify your documents, take a new photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter is what takes most of the time.
You will be asked to confirm your address and any other information on your license. If your address has changed, you must update it in person—you cannot do this by mail. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during your photograph. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
After you pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year driver license costs $28. An eight-year license costs $56. Tennessee does not offer a six-year option. You choose which term you want when you renew, and the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
The Memphis Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept personal checks. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
To renew by mail, you must meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens restrictions on your current license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are not changing your name. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
Request a mail-in renewal form by calling (901) 465-6500 or visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. The office will process your process and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your completed form.
While your renewal is being processed by mail, you can continue to drive using your current license. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. You will also need to bring additional documents, including proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Tips for a faster visit
Arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. These times and days typically have the shortest waits. Avoid Mondays (when the office is busiest after the weekend), Fridays (when people renew before the weekend), and afternoons after 2:00 p.m.
Bring all your documents organized and ready before you reach the counter. Have your current license out and your proof of residency and Social Security number in a separate pile. This speeds up the verification process. If you are renewing by mail, prepare your documents and check before you mail the form—do not include originals you cannot afford to lose, as the office does not return documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Tennessee does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. Online renewal is not available even for standard renewals without address changes.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew if you have your license number or Social Security number. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number during the renewal process.
Do I need an appointment to renew in Memphis?
The Memphis Driver Services offices accept walk-ins, but you should call (901) 465-6500 to confirm current hours and whether appointments are being offered. During busy periods, the office may ask you to schedule an appointment rather than wait in line.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, contact the office to check the status of your process.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person if your address has changed. You cannot update your address by mail. Bring your new proof of residency along with your other documents when you visit the office.