What you need to get a Tennessee driver license

Tennessee issues driver licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. To get one, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office if you have all documents ready. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Tennessee Driver Services website. Licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age, and Tennessee charges a fee based on how long you want the license to last.

If you already hold a valid driver license from another state, you may not need to take the written and driving tests again — Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with most states. However, you still must appear in person and provide the same identity and residency documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Tennessee requires a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a road test unless you transfer from another state license.
  • Driver licenses in Tennessee are valid for five years (under 65) or eight years (65 and older), and the fee depends on the term length you choose.
  • If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may skip the written and driving tests but must still complete the in-person process.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring your passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. A passport is the fastest option because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Tennessee address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as residency proof.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your card, a recent tax document works just as well. You cannot use a birth certificate or ID card to prove your Social Security number.

The written test, vision screening, and road test

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 questions and must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Driver Services website and covers everything the test asks.

The vision screening checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You do not need perfect vision — Tennessee allows corrective lenses, and if you fail, you can retake it when ready. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on local streets near the Driver Services office. An examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate safe habits. If you fail, you can retake it, usually within a few days.

Fees and how long your license lasts

Tennessee charges different fees depending on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount varies slightly by county, but as of recent years, a five-year license runs roughly $27 to $32, and an eight-year license runs roughly $60 to $65. Check your local Driver Services office website for the exact fee in your county.

Drivers under 65 can choose either term length. Drivers 65 and older can get an eight-year license at a reduced rate. You pay the fee at the Driver Services office when you submit your process — cash, check, and card are usually accepted, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.

If you are moving to Tennessee from another state

Tennessee law requires you to get a Tennessee driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you hold a valid license from another state, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests. Instead, you exchange your out-of-state license for a Tennessee one.

You still must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of identity, Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity. The office will keep your old license and issue you a Tennessee license with a new number. The process is faster than a first-time process because you skip the tests.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests. Bring your expired license anyway — it still helps prove your identity and driving history.

Real ID and what it means for your Tennessee license

Tennessee offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving citizenship: a passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or military discharge papers. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card or visa as well.

The fee for a Real ID license is slightly higher than a standard license — usually $5 to $10 more depending on your county. You can request a Real ID license when you explore for your first Tennessee license or when you renew an existing one. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving.

Renewing your Tennessee driver license

You can renew your Tennessee driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last license.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Driver Services website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes and works if you need to update your address, change your name, or want a Real ID license.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Tennessee sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but do not wait for the notice — you can start the process anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee 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 are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, but you should contact your local Driver Services office first to ask what documents they will accept.

What happens if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake either test. Most offices let you retake the written test the same day or within a few days. The road test usually requires scheduling a new appointment, which may be a few days to a week away depending on office availability. You pay a retake fee each time, which is typically $5 to $10.

Do I need a learner permit before I can take the road test?

No. Tennessee does not require a learner permit for adults. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. You can get a learner permit at any Driver Services office by passing the written test and vision screening.

Can I change my name on my driver license without renewing it?

Yes. You can change your name by visiting a Driver Services office and providing a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. There is usually a small fee for the name change, and you will receive a new license with your updated name.

What if I lose my driver license or it gets stolen?

Report it to your local police department and then visit a Driver Services office to request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs less than a new license and usually arrives within a few business days.