The Memphis Driver License Office location and hours

Tennessee's Memphis Driver License Office is located at 1060 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the main office where you can renew your license, take your road test, replace a lost or damaged license, and handle most other driver license transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (901) 595-1020 before making the trip. Wait times are typically longest on Mondays and mid-month, when many people handle their renewals.

This office serves Shelby County and the greater Memphis area. If you live outside Memphis but need to visit a Tennessee driver license office, you can find other locations through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis office is at 1060 Poplar Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Call (901) 595-1020 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you go.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents the office requests based on your transaction type.
  • Road tests are scheduled at this location, but you may need to book in advance depending on demand.
  • The office handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and most other driver license needs in one visit.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing at the office. For a renewal, bring your current Tennessee driver license and proof that you live in Tennessee (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). If your address has changed, bring the same proof of residency.

For a road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of residency, and proof of insurance. You will also need to show that you have completed a driver education course if you are under 18. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a photo ID and proof of residency.

If you are explore for your first license as an adult, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and two forms of proof of residency. Requirements can vary, so call the office before your visit to confirm what you need for your specific situation.

Road testing at the Memphis office

The Memphis Driver License Office administers road tests for new drivers and for people renewing a commercial driver license. You must have a valid learner's permit and proof of insurance before you can test. The test covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions on city streets.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially during spring and summer. You can schedule a test by calling the office or visiting in person. Some people wait several weeks for an available slot, so do not wait until your learner's permit is about to expire to book. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Renewing your license in person versus by mail

You can renew a Tennessee driver license by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs less than renewing in person. You will receive a form in the mail when your license is within six months of expiring.

If you cannot renew by mail—because your license is already expired, you need to update your photo, or you have medical restrictions—you must visit the Memphis office in person. In-person renewal is faster (usually same day) and lets you update your address, change your name, or add a Real ID designation if you need one for air travel or federal building access.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

A REAL ID-compliant driver license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Tennessee began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017, and the federal important date for air travel is now in effect. If your license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant.

To get a REAL ID license at the Memphis office, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport or birth certificate), and two forms of proof of residency. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. There is no extra fee for a REAL ID license in Tennessee.

Commercial driver license services

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) for work, the Memphis office handles CDL testing and renewal. You must pass a written knowledge test and a road test specific to the class of vehicle you will drive. CDL requirements are stricter than regular driver licenses—you need a medical certificate, a higher insurance standard, and more extensive training.

CDL road tests are in high demand and often book out weeks in advance. Call the office early to schedule. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, your medical certificate, and a commercial vehicle that meets safety standards for testing.

Parking and accessibility

The Memphis office has a parking lot on site, though it can fill during peak hours. Arrive early if you are visiting on a weekday morning. The building is wheelchair accessible, and staff can information you if you have mobility or vision concerns.

If you cannot visit in person due to a disability or medical condition, call the office to ask about alternatives. Some transactions may be handled by mail or through a third party, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Memphis Driver License Office?

No appointment is required for most transactions like renewals or replacements. However, road tests must be scheduled in advance by phone or in person. Call (901) 595-1020 to book a test slot.

How long does a road test take?

The actual driving portion takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Add time for paperwork and waiting. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the office for a road test appointment.

Can I renew my license online?

Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is current and you have no medical restrictions. Otherwise, you must visit the Memphis office or another Tennessee driver license office in person.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. Call the office to book your next test. There is no additional fee for retesting.

Is there a fee for renewing my license at the Memphis office?

Yes. Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. Call the office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for current fees before your visit.