What you need to know before you go to the DMV

Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the written and driving tests.

Tennessee recognizes three types of licenses: a standard driver's license (valid for 8 years), a REAL ID-compliant license (also 8 years, required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), and a commercial driver's license (CDL). This guide covers the standard and REAL ID licenses. The main difference is the documents you bring — REAL ID requires proof of your Social Security number and current address, while a standard license does not.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, 17 to get a restricted license, and 18 to get an unrestricted license. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the office.
  • Your license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license at the office to use when ready.
  • REAL ID licenses require additional documents (Social Security card or tax return, utility bill or lease) but are necessary for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the Driver Services office.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring your original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. A certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable; a photocopy is not. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. Do not bring a Social Security card to the office — instead, bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099.

You will also need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The address on this document must match the address you provide on your process.

If you are explore for a REAL ID license, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your full Social Security number, plus one of the address documents listed above. REAL ID requires stricter proof of identity and residency.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — they must be present to sign your process.

How to schedule your appointment and find your local office

Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety. Click on "Driver Services" and then "Locations and Hours." You will see a map of all Driver Services offices across the state, along with their hours and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they vary by location.

You can schedule an appointment online through the same website, or you can walk in without an appointment. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait. If you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with your date, time, and office location.

Bring your appointment confirmation (if you scheduled one) and all your documents. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone.

The written test and what to expect

At the Driver Services office, you will first complete your process form (DL 44). A staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The current fee for a standard 8-year driver's license is $28.50; a REAL ID license costs $33.50. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card.

Next, you will take a written test on a computer at the office. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or you can return another day.

Tennessee provides a free study guide online at tn.gov/safety under "Driver Services." You can also purchase a printed study guide at the office for a small fee. Many people study the guide for a few hours before their test and pass on the first attempt.

The driving test: what the examiner will check

After you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test. You can take it the same day if an examiner is available, or you can return on another date. The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive your own vehicle (if you have one) or use a test vehicle provided by the office. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and observe your driving.

The examiner will check your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, use turn signals, obey traffic signs and signals, merge safely, parallel park, and back up in a straight line. You must demonstrate safe driving habits and follow all traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, failing to use turn signals, speeding, and hitting the curb while parallel parking.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one business day. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they practice between tests.

Your temporary license and when your permanent license arrives

When you pass both the written and driving tests, the office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Write your name and address on the back of the temporary license and carry it with you whenever you drive.

Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The office will mail it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office where you took your test. Do not drive after your temporary license expires unless you have received your permanent license.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. Your permanent license is valid for 8 years from the date it was issued. You can check the expiration date on the front of the card.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 5 minutes. Visit tn.gov/safety and select "Renew Your License." You will need your current license number and date of birth. The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard license or $33.50 for REAL ID.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Driver Services office. Bring your birth certificate or passport and proof of address. The replacement fee is $28.50. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and have valid registration and insurance. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. You do not need to own the vehicle; you can borrow a friend's or family member's car.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no cost. Most offices allow you to study the guide for 30 minutes between attempts. If you fail again, you can return another day and retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. The Driver Services office will test your vision as part of the process process. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the vision test and during your driving test. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and provide a vision report before you can get your license.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

If you pass both tests on your first attempt, you will receive your temporary license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The office visit itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

What if I move after I get my license?

You do not need to update your address when ready, but you should do so before your license expires. You can update your address online at tn.gov/safety, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. There is no fee to update your address.