Where to get your driver's license in Millington

Millington does not have its own Driver Services office. The nearest Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) location is in Memphis, about 20 miles south. You can visit the Memphis Driver Services office to explore for, renew, or replace your driver's license.

The Memphis office is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. Hours and wait times vary by day and season. You can check current wait times and book an appointment on the TDOSHS website before you go, which often saves significant time.

If you live or work closer to another part of the Memphis area, TDOSHS also operates a satellite office in Germantown and another in Collierville, both within 30 to 40 minutes of Millington depending on traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest Driver Services office to Millington is in Memphis at 1150 Poplar Avenue, about 20 miles away.
  • You can book an appointment online through the TDOSHS website to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID).
  • First-time driver's license applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; renewals do not require testing unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Tennessee driver's licenses cost $28.50 for an eight-year license and $17.50 for a four-year license; fees are paid at the time of process.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three from the same source.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID alone is not sufficient.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or vehicle registration) dated within the last 60 days. A post office box address does not count as proof of residency.

Testing requirements for first-time applicants

If you are explore for your first Tennessee driver's license, you must pass three tests: the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the TDOSHS website.

The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot proceed that day.

The road test is conducted by a TDOSHS examiner in your vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must have a licensed adult in the car with you during the road test if you are under 18.

Renewal and replacement in Millington

If your Tennessee driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written and road tests. You only need to pass the vision test. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will be treated as a new applicant and must pass all three tests again. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must first clear the suspension through the appropriate court or agency.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the Memphis Driver Services office. Bring your proof of identity and residency. A replacement costs the same as a renewal.

Real ID and standard driver's licenses

Tennessee offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant driver's license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus additional proof of residency (two documents instead of one). The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for the same eight-year period.

If you do not have a Real ID license and want to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025, you will need to bring a passport or another federally accepted ID instead. A standard Tennessee driver's license will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel after that date.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50. A four-year license costs $17.50. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license. Replacement licenses cost the same as renewals.

The Memphis Driver Services office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some satellite locations may have different payment options, so call ahead if you plan to pay by a specific method.

If you are a Tennessee resident age 65 or older, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee. Ask the staff at the office when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in Millington without going to Memphis?

No. Millington does not have a Driver Services office. The nearest office is in Memphis, 20 miles away. However, you can book an appointment online to reduce wait time, and satellite offices in Germantown and Collierville may be closer depending on where you live.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same as the original test.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. Booking an appointment online through the TDOSHS website is faster and free.

What if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

You can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the written and road tests if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will need to pass the vision test and bring proof of residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state license with you.

Can I renew my license online or by mail from Millington?

Online and mail renewal are available for some Tennessee drivers, but not all. Your license must not be suspended, and you cannot have changed your name. Check the TDOSHS website to see if you are may be able to access before making the trip to Memphis.