The Driver License Center locations in Memphis

Tennessee's driver license services in Memphis are handled by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Licenses. The main location is the Memphis Driver License Center, located at 1414 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. This is the primary walk-in office where you can handle most driver license transactions — getting your first license, renewing an existing one, taking your written test, or scheduling a road test.

There is also a satellite office at 3365 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, which handles some services but with more limited hours and services than the Union Avenue location. Before traveling to either location, check the current hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website, as hours change seasonally and may be affected by staffing or holidays.

Both offices require you to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing. If you are taking a written test or road test, you will need to have scheduled an appointment in advance through the Tennessee online system — you cannot walk in and test the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Memphis Driver License Center is at 1414 Union Avenue, and a smaller office operates at 3365 Poplar Avenue with limited hours.
  • Written and road tests require advance appointments scheduled through the Tennessee Department of Safety website; walk-ins cannot test the same day.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to most transactions.
  • The Union Avenue location is open most weekdays and some Saturdays, but hours vary by season and holiday schedules.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available for some drivers, which means you may not need to visit a center at all.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you are getting a license for the first time, renewing, or taking a test. For a first-time license, bring your original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (your card or a tax document), and two documents showing your current Memphis address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are taking your written test, bring your learner's permit, a valid ID, and proof of residency. For your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and a valid ID.

Tennessee does not accept digital or mobile versions of documents like utility bills or insurance cards for in-person transactions — bring physical copies. If your documents are from outside the United States, bring the original and a certified English translation.

How to schedule a test appointment

Both written tests and road tests must be scheduled in advance through the Tennessee Department of Safety's online appointment system. You cannot walk into either Memphis location and take a test the same day. Visit the department's website, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose your test type (written or road), and pick an available date and time at the Memphis location you prefer.

Written test appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially during spring and summer when new drivers are testing. Road test appointments also book quickly. If your preferred date is full, check back regularly — cancellations do happen, and the system updates in real time.

You will receive a confirmation number when you schedule. Bring this number with you on test day, along with all required documents. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same online system at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Fees and what they cover

Tennessee driver license fees vary by license type and transaction. A Class D license (standard passenger vehicle license) costs $27 for an eight-year license. A learner's permit costs $20. The written test itself has no separate fee — it is included when you pay for your permit or license. The road test also has no separate fee.

If you are renewing your license, the cost is the same as the original license fee. Duplicate licenses (if yours is lost or stolen) cost $17. Fees must be paid in cash, check, or debit card at the Memphis centers — credit cards are not accepted at all locations, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.

If you fail your written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. If you fail your road test, you must schedule a new appointment and pay the road test fee again.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The main Memphis Driver License Center at 1414 Union Avenue is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some Saturday hours available. The Poplar Avenue location has more limited hours — usually Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours change seasonally and around holidays, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call ahead before you go.

Arrive early if you do not have an appointment, as walk-in wait times can be long, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted. If you are taking a test, arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in.

The Union Avenue location is accessible by public transit (MATA bus lines serve the area) and has limited street parking. The Poplar Avenue location has its own parking lot. If you are unsure whether you need to visit in person, call the center first — many transactions like renewals can be done by mail or online.

Alternatives to visiting in person

Not every transaction requires a trip to the Memphis Driver License Center. License renewal can be done online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is not expired and you have not had a vision or medical change. Renewal by mail is also an option — you can request a form from the website and mail it in with your current license and payment.

If you are getting your first license or your license has been suspended or revoked, you must visit a center in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status — these require a visit. Learner's permit applications also require an in-person visit and the written test.

Some services like address changes can sometimes be done by phone or mail, but this varies. Call the Memphis Driver License Center directly to ask whether your specific transaction can be handled without a visit.

What to expect on test day

On the day of your written test, arrive 15 minutes early with your learner's permit, valid ID, and confirmation number. The test is administered on a computer and covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. Most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. You will see your score when ready after finishing.

On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, a valid ID, and your confirmation number. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving in real conditions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You will be told whether you passed or failed before you leave.

If you fail either test, ask the examiner what areas to focus on before your next attempt. You can retake the written test the same day if you wish, or schedule another appointment. Road test retakes must be scheduled as a new appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Memphis center?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had a vision or medical change. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by mail. If your license is already expired or you have had a medical issue, you must visit a center in person.

What if I fail my written test — can I retake it the same day?

Yes. You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. You will need to wait a short time between attempts. If you prefer to study more, you can schedule a new appointment for another day through the online system.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

No. Walk-ins are accepted for renewals at both Memphis locations, though wait times can be long. If you want to avoid waiting, renewing by mail or online is faster. Appointments are required only for written tests and road tests.

What if my documents are from another country?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. The Memphis Driver License Center staff can tell you which documents need translation when you call ahead.

Can I take my road test in a vehicle I do not own?

Yes, but the vehicle must be insured and registered in Tennessee. You will need proof of insurance for that vehicle. The vehicle must also be in safe working condition — the examiner will check lights, brakes, and wipers before the test begins.