The Two Places to Renew in Memphis

You can renew your Tennessee driver license at two locations in Memphis: the Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue and the Driver Services Center on Getwell Road. Both are run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and handle the same services. The main difference is which one is closer to you and which has shorter wait times on the day you go.

You do not have to go to the location where you originally got your license. You can walk into either Memphis center, and as long as you meet Tennessee's renewal requirements, you can renew there. Both locations are open during the same hours and accept the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Poplar Avenue and Getwell Road Driver Services Centers are the only two locations in Memphis where you can renew in person.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of Social Security number; bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • Both centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
  • If you cannot go in person, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other Tennessee requirements.
  • Bring cash or a debit card; not all locations accept credit cards, and fees vary depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.

Poplar Avenue Driver Services Center

The Poplar Avenue location is at 1414 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. This center is in central Memphis and is often the busier of the two locations, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you are coming from downtown or the midtown area, this may be your closest option.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the lunch rush. You do not need an appointment; you can walk in anytime during these hours. Parking is available on-site.

Getwell Road Driver Services Center

The Getwell Road location is at 5975 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38119. This center is on the east side of Memphis and tends to have shorter wait times than the Poplar Avenue location, especially in the morning. If you live in east Memphis or Germantown, this location is usually more convenient.

Hours are the same as Poplar Avenue: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and parking is available. Many drivers report shorter waits here during mid-morning and early afternoon.

What Documents to Bring

Bring your current Tennessee driver license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, you will need to report that to the center staff when you arrive. You will also need proof of Tennessee residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You must also provide proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is best, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Do not bring a photo of these documents; bring the originals or certified copies.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), bring your current CDL and any medical certificate required.

Wait Times and Best Times to Visit

Wait times at both Memphis centers vary widely depending on the day and time. Early morning, right when the center opens at 8:00 a.m., is usually fastest. Mid-morning (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) is also typically quieter. Avoid lunch hour (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and late afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), when lines are longest.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually less crowded than Mondays and Fridays. The Getwell Road location generally has shorter waits than Poplar Avenue, but this can change. If you have flexibility, try visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Tennessee does not offer online appointment scheduling for driver license renewal at these centers. You must walk in. If you are concerned about wait times, you can call the center before you go to ask how busy they are, though staff cannot reserve a spot for you.

Fees and Payment Methods

Renewal fees depend on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. A standard driver license renewal for four or eight years costs between $27 and $35, depending on which term you choose. A commercial driver license renewal costs more. Ask the staff when you arrive what the exact fee is for your situation.

Both centers accept cash and debit cards. Not all locations accept credit cards, so bring a debit card or cash to be safe. Ask at the counter if you are unsure whether your card will work.

Renewing by Mail Instead

If you cannot visit a Driver Services Center in person, you may be able to renew by mail. You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or other updates since your last renewal. You also cannot renew by mail if you are renewing a commercial driver license.

To renew by mail, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or visit their website to request a renewal process. You will fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address provided. Processing takes longer by mail — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need your new license by a certain date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license at either Memphis Driver Services Center. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. You may face a small late fee in addition to the renewal fee, depending on how long it has been expired. Staff will tell you the total cost when you arrive.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

Yes, you will have a new photo taken at the center during your renewal. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will be taken by center staff using their camera; you cannot bring your own photo.

How long does the renewal process take once I am called?

Once you reach the counter, the renewal itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will answer a few questions, have your photo taken, sign your new license, and pay the fee. The wait to reach the counter is what takes most of the time, not the renewal itself.

What if I moved to Memphis from another state — can I renew here?

If you have a Tennessee license, you can renew at either Memphis center. If you still have a license from another state, you will need to get a Tennessee license first before you can renew. That requires a written test and a road test, not just a renewal. Contact the Driver Services Center to learn what documents you need to switch your license to Tennessee.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must be present in person to renew your driver license. The center staff will not renew a license for someone who is not there. If you are unable to visit due to a disability or medical condition, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to ask about other options.