What You Need Before You Go to the DMV

Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a Driver Services office in person. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents, but can take much longer if you don't, so bring everything listed below before you go.

You will need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian present. Bring originals, not copies — the staff will not accept photocopies of most documents.

The state charges $31.50 for a standard driver's license valid for five years, or $63 for an enhanced license valid for eight years. Enhanced licenses let you cross into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. Payment is cash, check, or card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, Social Security number, and citizenship status.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or military ID — a school ID or work ID alone will not work.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with a valid ID, and you will receive a restricted license until age 18.
  • Standard licenses cost $31.50 and last five years; enhanced licenses cost $63 and last eight years and allow land border crossing.

Documents That Prove Your Identity

Tennessee accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport is the strongest option. A certified birth certificate (the long form with the state seal, not a hospital copy) also works. A military ID, military dependent ID, or military retiree ID counts. A valid driver's license or ID from another U.S. state counts if it is not expired.

School IDs, work IDs, library cards, and credit cards do not count as identity documents on their own, even if they have your photo. If you do not have a passport, birth certificate, or military ID, you will need to bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a pay stub, a bank statement, or a utility bill in your name.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you do not have a birth certificate because you were born at home or in a country that does not issue them, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — they can issue a certified copy or an affidavit of birth that Tennessee will accept.

Documents That Prove You Live in Tennessee

You need one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Tennessee address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) works best because it is recent and has your address printed on it. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature also works. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works. A bank statement or credit card statement with your address works.

Mail from a government agency (a tax return, voter registration card, or court document) counts. A letter from your employer on company letterhead with your address counts. A car insurance or homeowner's insurance policy counts. Do not bring a post office change-of-address form — it does not count as proof of residency.

If you have just moved to Tennessee and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill, stating that you live there. Bring that letter plus a document showing the property owner's or utility holder's name and address. This is slower and the staff may ask follow-up questions, so arrive early.

Proof of Your Social Security Number and Citizenship

Bring your Social Security card, or a document that shows your Social Security number: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the Driver Services office — it takes about two weeks by mail.

For citizenship, your passport is the easiest proof. A birth certificate issued in the United States also proves citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) proves your immigration status. Military discharge papers (a DD-214) prove citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, bring your green card or a visa in your passport.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa, you can get a driver's license, but it will expire when your visa expires. Bring your passport with the visa and your I-94 arrival/departure record (you can print this from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website if you have it). The license will show an expiration date matching your visa, not the standard five or eight years.

If You Are Under 18

You must bring a parent or legal guardian with a valid photo ID. Both of you must be present at the Driver Services office. The parent or guardian does not need to bring documents — just a valid ID showing their name and photo.

You will receive a restricted license until you turn 18. The restrictions depend on your age: if you are 16 or 17, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 — you do not need to renew or update anything.

If you are 16 or 17 and want to drive, you must also have completed a driver's education course and a behind-the-wheel training course from a licensed instructor. Bring proof of completion (a certificate or letter from the school) to the Driver Services office. If you have not completed these courses, you cannot get a license yet.

Finding a Driver Services Office and What to Expect

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. Find the nearest one on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you go.

Arrive early — offices often have a wait, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Bring all documents in a folder so they are straightforward to find. When you arrive, you will take a number and wait to be called. The staff will check your documents, take your photo, and give you a vision test (read the lines on a chart). If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test.

You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study the Tennessee Driver's Manual (free online at the Department of Safety website) before you go. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. After you pass, the staff will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License

If your Tennessee license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact the Driver Services office or call the Suspension and Revocation Unit at 615-251-5221 to find out the status of your license and when you can reapply.

If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fines before the suspension lifts. If it was suspended for unpaid child support, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services. If it was revoked for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, the revocation period is set by law and you must wait it out — you cannot shorten it by paying a fee.

Once the suspension or revocation ends, you can return to a Driver Services office and explore for a new license using the same process described above. Bring all the same documents. There is no extra fee for reapplying after a suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. If you were born at home or in a country without birth certificates, request an affidavit of birth. Tennessee will accept either. If you were born outside the U.S., your passport works instead.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same office at no extra cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day. Study the Tennessee Driver's Manual online before your next attempt.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

The staff will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the office where you applied.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Tennessee Driver Services offices do not require appointments — you take a number and wait. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the Department of Safety website for your local office to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if I moved to Tennessee from another state and still have a valid license from my old state?

You can drive on your old license for up to 30 days after you move. After that, you must get a Tennessee license. Bring your old license along with the other required documents when you go to the Driver Services office.