The Tennessee Driver Services Center in Memphis

Tennessee's main driver's license office in Memphis is located at 1717 Nonconnah Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38132. This is the Driver Services office where you can renew your license, get a replacement, take a written test, or schedule a road test. It is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, not the city.

This location handles the full range of driver's license transactions. You cannot walk in without an appointment for most services — Tennessee requires you to book a time slot before you arrive. The office is open Monday through Friday, but hours vary by service type and change seasonally, so you need to check the current schedule before you go.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible and has restrooms. You will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing — a renewal looks different from a first-time license or a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Driver Services office is at 1717 Nonconnah Boulevard and requires an appointment for nearly all transactions.
  • You must book your appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you visit.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; requirements differ by transaction type.
  • Processing times vary — renewals are usually faster than road tests or written exams, which may have longer wait lists.
  • The office is closed on weekends and state holidays, and hours shift between seasons.

How to Book an Appointment Online

You cannot show up without a scheduled time. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the "Driver Services" section. From there, choose "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your zip code (38132 for the Memphis location), select the type of service you need, and pick an available date and time slot.

The system shows you open slots weeks in advance, but popular times fill quickly. If you cannot find an appointment when you first look, check back in a few days — cancellations open up regularly. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and instructions. Bring that confirmation or your appointment number when you arrive.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the Memphis office directly at the phone number listed on the Department of Safety website to ask about availability, though staff cannot always book appointments over the phone. Some community centers and libraries in Memphis offer computer access if you need it.

Documents You Need for Different Transactions

What you bring depends on why you are there. For a standard renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If your name has changed, bring a court order or marriage certificate.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring the same documents as a renewal, plus a police report if your license was stolen. If you are getting your first Tennessee license, bring your out-of-state license or passport, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a written test and schedule a road test.

For a road test, bring your appointment confirmation, a valid ID, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — headlights, taillights, wipers, and brakes all have to work. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily. Bring copies or documents you are willing to leave with the office if they need to keep them. Ask the staff when you arrive whether they will return documents or keep them on file.

Current Hours and Seasonal Changes

The Memphis Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday. Standard hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the office closes for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Hours may shift during summer months or around holidays, and the office is always closed on weekends and state holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day.

Before you book an appointment, check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for the current schedule. Hours posted online are the most reliable source. If you see an appointment slot available in the system, that time is open — the system does not show closed times.

If the Memphis location is fully booked, you have the option to travel to another Tennessee Driver Services office. The Nashville office (615-741-3054) and Knoxville office (865-594-6060) sometimes have faster availability, though you will need to travel. Call ahead to confirm hours before you drive.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your appointment confirmation and all required documents. Check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary — some transactions take 20 minutes, others take an hour. Bring something to read or work on.

A staff member will call your number and direct you to a window. They will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your information, and take a new photo if you are renewing or replacing your license. If you are taking a written test, you will be directed to a computer station in the office. If you are taking a road test, you will be sent to the testing area outside with an examiner.

Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the receipt as a temporary ID until your license arrives. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether expedited mailing is available — it costs extra.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not show up without an appointment. The office will turn you away. Do not bring original documents you cannot replace — bring copies instead. Do not arrive late; if you miss your appointment window, you may lose your slot and have to reschedule.

Do not assume your current out-of-state license is valid in Tennessee. You have 30 days after you move to Tennessee to get a Tennessee license. Driving on an expired or out-of-state license after that window closes can result in a traffic citation.

Do not forget proof of residency. Many people bring only their ID and Social Security card, then have to reschedule because they cannot prove where they live. A utility bill or lease works; a credit card statement does not. Do not bring a vehicle to a road test that has not been inspected — the examiner will not test you if the car fails safety checks.

Alternative Locations and Services

If you cannot get to the Nonconnah Boulevard office, Tennessee also offers limited services at some county clerk offices in the Memphis area. These offices can handle renewals and replacements but not road tests or written exams. Call your county clerk's office to ask what services they offer and whether they require an appointment.

You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired by more than 5 years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change. Request a mail renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call the Memphis office. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks.

If you need to change your address on your license without renewing it, you can do that online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is current. You do not need to visit an office for an address change alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at the Memphis office if I book online?

Yes, but road tests have longer wait lists than other services. When you book your appointment, select "Road Test" as your service type. The system will show you available dates, which may be weeks out. You must bring a vehicle that passes safety inspection and proof of insurance.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the Memphis office as soon as possible to reschedule. If you miss your slot without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available time. The office does not automatically rebook you.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your receipt as a temporary ID during that time. If you need it faster, ask about expedited mail options when you visit.

Do I need an appointment for a written test?

Yes. Book your appointment online and select "Written Test" as your service type. You will take the test at a computer station in the office on the day of your appointment.

What if the Memphis office is fully booked?

Check the Nashville or Knoxville Driver Services offices — they sometimes have earlier availability. You can also check back in a few days; cancellations open up regularly. If you need your license urgently, ask the Memphis office staff whether they can refer you to another location with faster slots.