Where to get your Tennessee driver's license
Tennessee driver's licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which operates driver services offices across the state. You cannot get a Tennessee license online or by mail — you must visit a driver services office in person to pass the vision and written tests, have your photo taken, and hand over your documents.
The Department of Safety runs about 80 driver services locations statewide. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the official Tennessee Department of Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but appointment slots often fill weeks ahead, especially in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis.
Each office keeps its own hours, which vary by location. Some are open only certain days of the week or have reduced hours on Fridays. Before you go, check the specific office's schedule online — showing up at the wrong time wastes a trip and delays your license.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues all Tennessee driver's licenses and operates driver services offices in every region of the state.
- You must visit a driver services office in person to take the written and vision tests, provide documents, and have your photo taken — there is no online or mail option.
- Scheduling an appointment online is faster than walking in, and you can check wait times before you go to any office location.
- Each office has different hours and days of operation, so confirm the schedule for your nearest location before making the trip.
- You will need to bring specific documents such as proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence in the United States.
What documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires you to bring an original or certified copy of documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, Tennessee residency, and legal presence in the United States. The Department of Safety publishes a specific list of acceptable documents for each category on its website.
For identity, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For Tennessee residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
For proof of legal presence, U.S. citizens can use a U.S. passport or birth certificate. Non-citizens must bring documents such as a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. If you were born outside the United States, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office of the state or country where you were born is required.
Bring originals whenever possible. The office staff will not accept photocopies for identity or legal presence documents. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call your local driver services office before your appointment — staff can tell you whether your specific documents meet the requirement.
Written and vision tests at the Department of Safety
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a waiting period, usually the same day.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may ask you to schedule a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you pay the full license fee each time you test.
Fees and how long the license lasts
Tennessee driver's license fees vary by age and license type. A standard driver's license for someone under 65 costs one amount; a license for someone 65 or older costs less. Real ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses. The Department of Safety website lists current fees for each type.
A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When your license expires, you must renew it in person at a driver services office — you cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to retake the vision test and written test at renewal, though some people over a certain age may be exempt from the written test.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any driver services office. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license, and you do not have to retake the tests.
Real ID and what it means for your Tennessee license
A Real ID-compliant license is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Tennessee offers both standard and Real ID licenses. A Real ID license looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. To get a Real ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of Tennessee residency. The process is the same — you visit a driver services office, take the tests, and pay the higher fee.
If you already have a standard Tennessee license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a driver services office before the May 2025 important date. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire.
Renewing or replacing your Tennessee license
When your Tennessee driver's license is about to expire, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. The notice tells you where to go and what documents to bring. You must renew in person at a driver services office — there is no online or mail renewal option in Tennessee.
At renewal, you will retake the vision test and written test unless you are over a certain age or have a medical exemption. You will also have a new photo taken. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Department of Safety and request a replacement at any driver services office. You will need to show proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license and does not require you to retake the tests. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a replacement at the same cost.
Suspensions, revocations, and how to check your status
Your Tennessee driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons such as unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to pay child support. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can get it back. A revocation is permanent — you must wait a set number of years before you can reapply for a license.
You can check whether your license is suspended or revoked on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see your current status. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and the date it will be reinstated.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive before the suspension ends, you may be able to request a restricted license or hardship license from the Department of Safety. These allow you to drive for specific purposes such as work or medical appointments. The rules for hardship licenses vary by the reason for suspension, so contact your local driver services office to ask whether you are may be able to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. You must visit a driver services office in person and retake the vision test and written test unless you are exempt. The new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old license expired.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test at most offices the same day, though some locations may ask you to schedule a new appointment. You pay the full license fee each time you test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Tennessee?
No. A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for driving within the state and for driving across state lines. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. For driving, a standard license is sufficient.
Can I get a Tennessee license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes. You can explore for a Tennessee license even if you hold a valid license from another state. You will need to bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. You must pass the written and vision tests. Once your Tennessee license is issued, you should surrender your out-of-state license to that state's motor vehicle department.
How do I know if my license is suspended?
Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The website will show your current status and, if suspended, the reason and reinstatement date. You can also call your local driver services office for this information.