Where to Get Your License in Memphis

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Division, issues all driver licenses in the state. In Memphis, you can visit one of two locations: the Shelby County Driver Services Center on Poplar Avenue or the Memphis Driver Services Center on Elvis Presley Boulevard. Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or on Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter lines than Friday afternoons. The offices close on state holidays and occasionally for system maintenance, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it to get a driver license in Memphis.
  • Tennessee requires a written test, vision test, and road test for a new license; the written and vision tests happen at the driver services center, and the road test is scheduled separately.
  • A standard driver license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $33.50 and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test.
  • The two Memphis driver services centers are on Poplar Avenue and Elvis Presley Boulevard; neither requires an appointment, but you should bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate plus a second form of ID (like a school ID or work badge) will work.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Memphis address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state counts as both identity and residency proof if it is still valid.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Without proof of your Social Security number, the driver services center cannot issue your license.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 24 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Department of Safety website and covers everything on the test.

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the same location. The screener checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day or return another day with corrective lenses.

You do not need to pass both tests on the same day. If you fail the written test, you can return and retake it without paying again. Most people pass the written test on their first try if they study the handbook.

The Road Test and Scheduling

After you pass the written and vision tests, you must take a road test with a Tennessee examiner. The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.

Road tests are not given at the driver services centers. Instead, you schedule your test at a separate location after you pass the written test. The examiner will tell you where to go and when to arrive. Wait times for road tests vary; in Memphis, you may wait anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on demand.

You can take the road test in any vehicle you own or borrow, as long as it meets safety requirements. A family member or friend can own the vehicle. You cannot use a vehicle from a rental company or a driving school unless you are taking lessons with that school.

Cost and License Types

A standard Tennessee driver license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $33.50 and is also valid for eight years. The difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to enter federal buildings, military bases, and board domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for these purposes.

You can choose either type when you get your license. If you get a standard license now and later need a Real ID, you can renew early and pay the difference. Both types are issued on the spot after you pass the written and vision tests, though you must wait for the road test result before you can pick up your physical card.

Tennessee does not charge extra for duplicate licenses or replacements if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay the same fee as a new license.

If You Are Under 18

Tennessee requires anyone under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can get a license. The course is offered by high schools, private driving schools, and online providers. It covers classroom instruction and, in most cases, behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor.

After you complete driver education, you receive a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to the driver services center along with your other documents. You will then take the written and vision tests as described above.

Once you pass the written and vision tests, you receive a learner permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You must hold the learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

If your Tennessee license is expiring, you can renew it at either Memphis driver services center. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee ($28.50 for a standard license, $33.50 for Real ID).

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the driver services center. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is the same as a new license fee.

Tennessee also offers online renewal for some drivers. If you are renewing a license that is not suspended and you do not need to change your address or name, you may be able to renew on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Check the website to see if you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Tennessee requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must first explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Once you have a number, you can bring proof of it to the driver services center.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test without paying again. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can schedule your next road test as soon as the same day or a few days later, depending on examiner availability.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Tennessee?

No. A standard driver license is valid for driving anywhere in Tennessee and the United States. A Real ID is only required if you want to enter a federal building, military base, or board a domestic flight. If you only drive, a standard license is fine.

How long does it take to get a driver license from start to finish?

The written and vision tests take about 30 minutes at the driver services center. The road test is scheduled separately and may be weeks away depending on demand. Once you pass the road test, your physical license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Total time is usually 4 to 8 weeks.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is offered in Spanish at both Memphis driver services centers. If you need the test in another language, call the center ahead of time to ask whether an interpreter is available.