Where to Book Your Memphis DMV Appointment

The Tennessee Department of Revenue handles driver licenses and vehicle registration in Memphis. You can book an appointment through the state's online system at tn.gov/revenue, by phone at 1-844-824-8647, or in person at any Memphis-area Driver Services office.

The online booking system is the fastest route. You'll need your Tennessee ID number or Social Security number to log in, and you can see available times when ready. Phone booking takes longer because you're waiting for a representative, but it works if you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.

Walk-ins are accepted at some locations but expect longer waits, especially during mid-morning and early afternoon hours. If you walk in without an appointment, you'll be given a number and told the estimated wait time before you decide whether to stay.

Key Takeaways

  • Book online at tn.gov/revenue to see available times when ready without waiting on the phone.
  • The state phone line 1-844-824-8647 works if you can't book online, but wait times vary by time of day.
  • Memphis has multiple Driver Services locations; the address and hours depend on which one you choose.
  • Bring the documents listed on your confirmation email or receipt, or you may be turned away and asked to reschedule.
  • Appointment times fill up fastest on Thursdays and Fridays, so book early in the week if possible.

Memphis Driver Services Locations and Hours

The main Memphis Driver Services office is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. This location handles all transaction types: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and vehicle registration. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no Saturday or Sunday service.

A second location operates at 3365 Nonconnah Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38132, with the same hours and services. Both offices close on state holidays. Before you travel to either location, check tn.gov/revenue for any temporary closures or hour changes, as staffing and facility issues can shift schedules without notice.

Wait times at both locations vary by day and time. Mornings before 10:00 a.m. are typically shorter. Midday (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and late afternoon (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) tend to be busier. If you have an appointment, you'll still wait, but you won't be turned away if the office becomes full.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

The documents you need depend on your transaction type. For a new driver license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your Social Security number, and proof of legal presence if you were not born in the U.S.

For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening, so check your confirmation email.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity and residency, the same as a new license. Your confirmation email will list exactly what the office needs for your specific transaction. Bring originals, not copies, unless the email says otherwise.

How to Book Online Step by Step

Go to tn.gov/revenue and look for the "Driver Services" or "Schedule an Appointment" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Book Online" or "Tennessee Driver Services Appointment System." You'll be taken to a login page.

Enter your Tennessee ID number (found on your current license or ID card) or your Social Security number. If you don't have a Tennessee ID number, use your SSN. Click "Next" and answer any security questions the system asks.

Select your transaction type from the dropdown menu: new license, renewal, replacement, name change, or vehicle registration. Choose the Memphis location you prefer. The system will show you available dates and times for the next 30 days.

Pick a date and time that works for you. The system will confirm your appointment and send you an email with the confirmation number, location address, required documents, and the date and time. Save this email or print it. You'll need the confirmation number when you arrive.

Booking by Phone and Walk-In Options

Call 1-844-824-8647 to book by phone. Have your Tennessee ID number or Social Security number ready. Tell the representative your transaction type and preferred location. They'll check availability and book you for the next open slot, which may be several days or weeks out depending on demand.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call times are longest between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. If you call after 3:00 p.m., you may reach a representative faster. The representative will give you a confirmation number over the phone; write it down.

Walk-ins are accepted but not recommended if you can book ahead. Arrive early (before 9:00 a.m.) if you walk in without an appointment. You'll receive a number and an estimated wait time. If the wait is longer than you can stay, you can ask to book an appointment for another day instead.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Cancel Your Appointment

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. The office will not accept copies of birth certificates, passports, or Social Security cards unless your confirmation email specifically says copies are acceptable. Bring originals. If you're missing even one required document, you'll be turned away and must reschedule.

Another frequent error is arriving late or not showing up. If you're more than 15 minutes late, the office may cancel your appointment and move you to the end of the queue or reschedule you for another day. If you can't make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours ahead so someone else can use that slot.

Booking the wrong transaction type also causes problems. If you need a replacement license but book a renewal, the office will catch it and may ask you to reschedule. Double-check your confirmation email to make sure the transaction type matches what you actually need.

Finally, some people book an appointment but don't bring their confirmation number or email. While the office can look you up by name and ID number, having your confirmation number speeds the process. Take a photo of your confirmation email on your phone or print it.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and ID. You'll be given a number and told to wait in the seating area. Even with an appointment, you may wait 20 to 45 minutes depending on how many people are ahead of you and whether staff are handling complex transactions.

When your number is called, go to the window. The representative will verify your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and take your photo and signature. For a new license or renewal, you'll take a vision test. For a new license, you may take a written test on a computer at the office.

Payment is due at the window. Tennessee charges different fees for different transactions: a new license costs around $27, a renewal costs around $27, and a replacement costs around $27. Fees change periodically, so check tn.gov/revenue for the current amount. The office accepts cash, check, and card.

Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card. Keep the temporary license in your wallet until the real one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment more than 30 days in advance?

No. The online system shows only the next 30 days. If you need an appointment further out, call 1-844-824-8647 and ask the representative to book you for a specific date. They may be able to schedule you further ahead, depending on demand.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the Driver Services office or call 1-844-824-8647 as soon as possible to reschedule. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may be deprioritized when you book again, meaning longer waits for your next slot. Always cancel at least 24 hours ahead if you can't make it.

Do I need an appointment if I'm renewing online?

Tennessee allows some renewals online at tn.gov/revenue if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Check the website to see if you're may be able to access. If you are, you can renew without visiting an office. If you're not may be able to access, you'll need an in-person appointment.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose license or ID is being renewed or replaced must book their own appointment using their own ID number or Social Security number. Parents or guardians can book for minors, but they'll need the minor's Social Security number to log in.

What if the online system won't let me log in?

Try resetting your password on the login page. If that doesn't work, call 1-844-824-8647 and ask for help. The representative can verify your identity and help you access the system or book you over the phone instead.