Where the Memphis Driver License Office Is Located

The Tennessee Driver License Office in Memphis is located at 1060 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the main office serving Shelby County and the greater Memphis area. The building is downtown, near the intersection of Poplar and Cooper, and has parking available on-site and in nearby lots.

If you are coming from outside Memphis, this is the only full-service driver license office in the when ready area. Smaller express locations or satellite offices may open or close, so call ahead at (901) 595-1020 to confirm hours and current services before you make the trip.

Office Hours and When to Go

The Memphis Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours may shift seasonally or during maintenance, so verify the current schedule by phone or on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you visit.

Arrive early if you can. The office typically sees the heaviest traffic between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and wait times can exceed an hour during peak periods. If you have a choice, Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to move faster than Mondays or Fridays.

The office does not take appointments for most transactions. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Some services, such as commercial driver license (CDL) testing, may have separate scheduling — ask at the counter or call ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis office is at 1060 Poplar Avenue downtown, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
  • You do not need an appointment for most driver license transactions; arrive early to avoid long waits, especially mid-morning and early afternoon.
  • Call (901) 595-1020 to confirm current hours, available services, or whether you need to bring additional documents for your specific transaction.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents related to your transaction (renewal notice, name change paperwork, etc.).
  • The office handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and initial license applications, but CDL services and some specialized requests may require separate scheduling.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on your transaction type. For any visit, bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or current out-of-state license) and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need proof of Tennessee residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address.

If you are renewing, bring your renewal notice (the letter Tennessee mailed you) and your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original. If you are changing your name, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change. If you are getting your first Tennessee license, bring your out-of-state license or passport plus the residency proof.

Do not assume the office has copies of documents. Bring originals or certified copies. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency, call ahead — the office staff can tell you whether what you have will work.

Services Available at the Memphis Office

The Memphis Driver License Office handles license renewals (both standard and REAL ID), replacements for lost or stolen licenses, address changes, name changes, initial license applications, and license upgrades or downgrades (for example, removing a motorcycle endorsement). The office also issues identification cards for people who do not drive.

The office does conduct written tests and road tests for new drivers, though road tests may have a waiting list. If you need a commercial driver license (CDL), the Memphis office handles CDL testing, but you may need to schedule separately or arrive at a specific time. Call to ask about CDL availability and whether you need to book ahead.

The office does not issue learner permits on the same day as road tests. If you are a new driver, you will take your written test first, receive your permit, and then schedule a road test for a later date. The permit is valid for one year.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal costs $27.50 for a standard four-year license and $34.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license (which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel). A replacement license costs $17.50. An initial license process costs $27.50. Address and name changes are typically $7.50. Fees are subject to change; call the office to confirm current prices.

The Memphis office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Bring exact change if you prefer to pay in cash, though the office can make change. Do not assume the office accepts all card types — Visa and Mastercard are standard, but call ahead if you plan to use a less common payment method.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is bringing incomplete or expired proof of residency. A utility bill or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. An old bill will not work, even if your address has not changed. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them on their letterhead confirming you live there, plus the bill itself.

Another frequent error is not bringing your Social Security card or a document with your number. The office cannot look it up for you. If you do not have your card, bring a tax return, W-2, or other official document that shows your number. A bank statement with your number printed on it also works.

Do not assume you can renew online or by mail. Tennessee allows online renewal only if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have no address changes or corrections to make. If you miss the online window or need to update information, you must visit the office in person. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see whether you are may be able to access for online renewal before you make the trip.

Parking and Getting There

The Memphis Driver License Office building has a small parking lot on-site, but spaces fill quickly during busy hours. Street parking is available on Poplar Avenue and nearby side streets, though it is metered during business hours. A public parking garage is one block away on Cooper Avenue if the lot is full.

If you are using public transportation, the MATA bus system serves the downtown area. The office is near the Main Street trolley line and several bus routes. Check the MATA website for current routes and schedules to the Poplar and Cooper area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire six months after your current one would have. If you are close to expiration and want to avoid a trip, renewing early is a reasonable option.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, pay stub, or bank statement. The office needs to verify your number but does not require the card itself. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will work.

How long does a road test take?

The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but your total time at the office will be longer because of waiting. Road tests are scheduled throughout the day, so you may wait an hour or more before your turn. Ask the staff when you arrive what the current wait time is.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Memphis office?

Yes. A REAL ID license costs $34.50 and requires the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The office can issue it the same day you explore. REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in May 2025.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the replacement fee ($17.50) rather than a renewal fee.