Where to go for your Millington driver's license

Millington does not have its own DMV office. To get a Tennessee driver's license, you will need to visit the Shelby County Regional Driver Services Center in Memphis, which is the nearest location that handles licenses for residents in the Millington area. This office processes all license types — learner's permits, regular licenses, and commercial licenses — and handles renewals and replacements.

The Shelby County office is located at 1370 Getwell Road in Memphis. You can reach them by phone at (901) 222-8000 to confirm hours, check wait times, or ask about specific documents you need to bring. Having this information before you go saves time and prevents unnecessary trips.

If you live in a different part of Shelby County or prefer a different location, Tennessee operates several other regional driver services centers throughout the county, but Getwell Road is the most convenient for Millington residents.

Key Takeaways

  • Millington residents must visit the Shelby County Regional Driver Services Center on Getwell Road in Memphis to get a Tennessee driver's license.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation in person — no online license issuance is available in Tennessee.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the road test for a regular license.
  • The office processes learner's permits, regular licenses, commercial licenses, and renewals, but you should call ahead to confirm current hours and typical wait times.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires specific documents no matter which license type you are seeking. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card as proof of identity. You will also need proof that you live in Tennessee — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address all work.

You must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring documentation from the Social Security Administration. Bring your current Tennessee ID if you have one, or your out-of-state license if you are moving to Tennessee.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign consent forms in person. Bring any medical documentation if you have a condition that affects your driving — for example, a letter from your eye doctor if you wear corrective lenses.

Getting a learner's permit first

If you are under 18 or have never held a driver's license, you must start with a learner's permit. This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. At the Shelby County office, you will take a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.

Once you pass the written test and receive your learner's permit, you must hold it for a waiting period before you can take the road test. For drivers under 18, the waiting period is 30 days. For drivers 18 and older, there is no waiting period — you can take the road test when ready after getting your permit.

During the permit period, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. This is the time to practice the skills you will need for the road test, such as parking, turning, and highway driving.

Taking the road test in Shelby County

After you have held your learner's permit for the required waiting period, you can schedule a road test. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, backing up, and following traffic laws. You will drive on local streets and possibly on a highway, depending on the examiner's route.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with working headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will do a brief safety check before you start driving.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they have practiced regularly during their permit period.

License types and what they cost

Tennessee offers several license types, and the fee depends on which one you need. A regular driver's license for someone 18 or older costs a specific amount and is valid for a set number of years — Tennessee's fee structure changes periodically, so call the Shelby County office to confirm the current cost before you go.

A learner's permit has its own fee, separate from the license fee. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing if you plan to drive large trucks or buses for work. If you are renewing an existing license, the fee is usually lower than getting a new one.

Tennessee accepts cash, check, and card payments at the driver services center. Ask about payment methods when you call to confirm hours.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Tennessee license is expiring soon or you have lost it, you can renew or replace it at the same Shelby County office. A renewal is simpler than a first-time license — you typically do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for a long time or you have medical restrictions.

To renew, bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring proof of identity and residency instead. The office will issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the type of replacement.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so plan ahead if you know your expiration date is coming up. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have applied for a renewal.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The Shelby County Regional Driver Services Center operates during standard business hours, but hours vary by day and may change seasonally. Call (901) 222-8000 to confirm the current schedule before you go. Many offices are busier on certain days of the week, so calling ahead also lets you ask about typical wait times.

Arrive early in the day if possible — offices tend to be less crowded in the morning. Bring all required documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while you wait. If you are taking the written test, study a Tennessee driver's manual beforehand. The manual is free and available online through the Tennessee DMV website, or you can pick up a printed copy at the office.

If you are taking a road test, make sure the vehicle you are bringing is clean, safe, and fueled. Practice driving in different conditions — rain, night, and highway driving — before your test date. Being prepared reduces stress and increases your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license without visiting the office in person?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person to take the written test, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken for your license. You cannot complete these steps online or by mail. You must visit the Shelby County office or another regional driver services center.

What if I move to Millington from another state?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Tennessee license at the Shelby County office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security documentation. You will not need to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid, though you may need to pass a vision test.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?

If you pass the road test, the office will issue your license on the same day in most cases. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card in the mail within a few business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or on another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second attempt after reviewing the material they missed.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Tennessee driver services centers typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations offer online appointment scheduling. Call the Shelby County office at (901) 222-8000 to ask whether appointments are available and whether scheduling one would reduce your wait time.