Where to Go for Your Franklin Driver's License

Franklin has one full-service Driver Services Center located at 1001 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064. This is where you will take your written test, road test, and submit documents for a new license, renewal, or replacement. The center is operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), the state agency that issues all Tennessee driver's licenses.

You cannot renew your license by mail in Tennessee, and the Franklin center does not accept walk-ins without an appointment. You must schedule your visit in advance through the TDOSHS online appointment system or by calling the center directly at (615) 794-4500. Appointments typically fill 2 to 4 weeks ahead, so plan accordingly if you have a important date.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you cannot reach the Franklin location or need to know current wait times, you can also visit any other Tennessee Driver Services Center in the surrounding counties, though the Franklin center is the most convenient for residents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Franklin Driver Services Center at 1001 Murfreesboro Road is the only full-service location in Franklin and requires an appointment scheduled through the TDOSHS website or by phone.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security card, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and a road test; the written test is offered at the Franklin center, but you may take the road test at the same location or at a third-party testing facility.
  • Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years for drivers under 65 and eight years for drivers 65 and older, and renewal fees vary depending on the type of license you hold.
  • If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew online through the TDOSHS website if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.

Documents You Must Bring to the Franklin Center

Tennessee requires a specific set of documents before you can be issued a driver's license. You must bring an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a document proving your Tennessee residency, and a document proving your identity. Residency documents must be dated within 90 days of your appointment and can include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you.

For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a previous driver's license. If you are explore for the first time and do not have a passport or birth certificate, you will need to obtain one before your appointment—the Franklin center cannot issue these documents for you.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Without it, your new license will be issued under your current legal name, which may not match your other documents.

Written Test and Road Test Requirements

First-time applicants in Tennessee must pass both a written knowledge test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Tennessee. You can take the written test at the Franklin Driver Services Center during your appointment. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you have three attempts to pass it within a 12-month period.

After passing the written test, you must schedule a separate appointment for your road test. The road test can be taken at the Franklin center or at a third-party testing facility in the area. During the road test, an examiner will observe your ability to operate a vehicle safely, including starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If you are renewing an expired license and have held a valid Tennessee license before, you do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical restrictions that require a new evaluation.

Fees and License Validity Periods

Tennessee driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs $28.50, and an eight-year license (available to all drivers) costs $45.50. These fees are paid at the time of your appointment at the Franklin center. Additional fees explore if you need a duplicate license ($17.50) or if you are adding endorsements such as a motorcycle endorsement ($10.00).

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at your appointment within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the center that is valid until your plastic card arrives. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Franklin center to check the status.

Licenses for drivers under 65 are valid for five years from the date of issue. Drivers 65 and older can choose between a five-year and an eight-year license. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and renewal must be done in person or online if you meet the online renewal requirements.

Online Renewal for Expired Licenses

If your Tennessee driver's license has expired but was valid for at least one year before it expired, you may be able to renew it online through the TDOSHS website without visiting the Franklin center. Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations.

To renew online, you will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The online renewal fee is $28.50 for a five-year license or $45.50 for an eight-year license. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license via email that is valid until your plastic card arrives.

If you do not meet the online renewal requirements—for example, if your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical restrictions—you must renew in person at the Franklin Driver Services Center by scheduling an appointment.

Special Licenses and Endorsements Available in Franklin

Tennessee offers several types of driver's licenses and endorsements beyond the standard Class D license. A Class D Learner's Permit allows you to practice driving under supervision while you prepare for your road test. A motorcycle endorsement (Class M) allows you to operate a motorcycle and requires a separate written test and road test on a motorcycle.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) applicants must meet additional requirements, including a medical examination and a more rigorous written and road test. The Franklin center does not conduct CDL road tests; you will need to schedule that test at a designated CDL testing facility in the region. Hazmat endorsements and other specialized endorsements are also available but require additional testing and background checks.

If you are a non-citizen, you may be able to obtain a Tennessee driver's license if you have a valid visa, passport, or other federal immigration document. Bring your immigration documents to your appointment, and the staff at the Franklin center will determine whether you meet the requirements.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is arriving at the Franklin center without an appointment. The center does not accept walk-ins, and you will be turned away. Always schedule your appointment at least two weeks in advance through the TDOSHS website or by phone.

A second frequent error is bringing incomplete documents. Many applicants arrive with a residency document that is too old (more than 90 days) or a proof of identity that is not on the accepted list. Check the TDOSHS website before your appointment to confirm which documents you need, and bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

Third-time applicants sometimes fail the written test because they do not study the Tennessee Driver's Manual, which is available free on the TDOSHS website. The manual covers all the material on the test, and most people who study it pass on the first attempt. If you fail, you can retake the test at a later appointment, but you will pay the full appointment fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at a third-party facility instead of the Franklin center?

Yes. Tennessee allows road tests at approved third-party testing facilities in addition to the Franklin Driver Services Center. Third-party facilities may have shorter wait times for appointments. You can find a list of approved facilities on the TDOSHS website. You still must pass the written test at the Franklin center or another Driver Services Center before scheduling your road test.

What if I fail my written test?

You can retake the written test at a later appointment. You have three attempts to pass within a 12-month period. Each retake requires a new appointment and a new fee. Study the Tennessee Driver's Manual between attempts, as it covers all test material.

How long does it take to get my license after my appointment?

Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that is valid until the plastic card arrives. If you need to drive before your appointment, you cannot use a temporary license from a previous visit—you must have a valid license or learner's permit.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a long wait closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for five or eight years from the date of renewal, not from your old expiration date.

What if I move out of Franklin but still want to use the Franklin center?

You can use any Tennessee Driver Services Center, regardless of where you live. However, your license will show your current address, so if you move, you should update your address at your next renewal or by visiting any Driver Services Center. Address changes do not require a new appointment and can sometimes be done by mail or online.