What you need to bring and where to go
To get a Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all originals or certified copies. You pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test. The whole process takes about an hour at the center, though you may wait depending on how busy the location is.
Tennessee has two types of licenses: a regular driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID version costs a few dollars more and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Both are valid for eight years from the date you receive them.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card, and a piece of mail showing your Tennessee address.
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official handbook free on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
- The driving test is performed by an examiner at the Driver Services Center and includes basic vehicle control and road safety tasks.
- You pay a one-time fee at the center; the cost depends on whether you choose a regular license or a REAL ID license.
Documents that prove your identity
Tennessee accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a military ID as proof of identity. The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy is not enough. If you were born outside the United States, you can use a foreign passport paired with a U.S. visa or travel document.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order must be an original or certified copy.
Documents that prove you live in Tennessee
You need one piece of mail or a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current Tennessee address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A government-issued document like a property tax bill or vehicle registration also works.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a piece of mail in your name at your new address, you can bring a lease or mortgage document that shows your name and the address. Some Driver Services Centers also accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation letter.
Proof of your Social Security number
Bring your original Social Security card or a document issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your number. A W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from your employer also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the Driver Services Center, or you can bring one of the alternative documents listed above.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Driver Services Center, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.
The Tennessee Department of Safety publishes the official Driver Handbook free on its website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.
The driving test and what the examiner checks
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Driver Services Center, and an examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you. The examiner checks whether you can start the vehicle smoothly, steer and brake properly, follow traffic signals, turn correctly, park, and respond to other vehicles on the road.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes all work before you drive. If you use your own vehicle, make sure the registration and proof of insurance are in the glove box. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you will not be able to take the test that day.
Fees and how long the license lasts
The fee for a regular driver's license is set by Tennessee law and varies slightly depending on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard eight-year license costs less than a four-year license. A REAL ID-compliant license costs a few dollars more than a regular license but lasts the same length of time.
You pay the fee at the Driver Services Center when you pass all three parts of the test. You receive your temporary license on paper that day, and your plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.
Where to find a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the address, phone number, and hours of the center nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Some centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours; a few have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to make an appointment at most centers, but some locations now use an online reservation system to reduce wait times.
If you live far from a Driver Services Center or have difficulty traveling, call the center ahead of time to ask about your options. Some centers can accommodate people with mobility issues or other needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to a Tennessee license without taking the written test. You still take the vision screening and driving test. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can take the driving test again. Most Driver Services Centers let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. You pay the test fee again each time you take it. Many people study the handbook or take a practice driving lesson before their second attempt.
Can I get a license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Tennessee does not automatically deny a license based on unpaid tickets, but the court system and the Driver Services Center can communicate. If there is an active warrant or suspension on your record, the center will not issue a license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your record has a suspension.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to the test?
Yes. If you wear corrective lenses to drive, wear them during the vision screening and the driving test. Your license will be marked to show that you must wear correction while driving. If you do not wear them during the test but normally do, you are breaking the law when you drive without them.
How do I renew my Tennessee license when it expires?
You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. If you cannot renew online, you visit a Driver Services Center and bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.