Memphis Driver's License Office Locations and Hours

Tennessee's driver's license services in Memphis are handled by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Division. The main office is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the primary location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license in Shelby County.

The Poplar Avenue office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than Friday afternoons. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but Tennessee's DMV website allows you to check current wait times before you go.

There is also a satellite office at 3298 Laclede Avenue, Memphis, TN 38114, which operates on a limited schedule. Call ahead to confirm hours at this location, as they may differ from the main office and are subject to change based on staffing.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Memphis driver's license office is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any transaction.
  • Tennessee charges different fees depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time, and fees vary by license type.
  • The satellite office on Laclede Avenue has limited hours, so call 901-465-5519 to confirm availability before making the trip.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires specific documents for every driver's license transaction. Bring one form of proof of identity: a valid passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a previous Tennessee driver's license. If you are renewing and your license is still valid, you may be able to use it alone.

You also need proof of residency—a document showing your current address in Tennessee. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A mail piece from a government agency also works. Post office boxes do not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You will need to provide this in person; you cannot mail it in. If you do not have your card, know your number or bring a document that shows it, such as a W-2 or tax return.

If you are obtaining your first Tennessee license or your license has been expired for more than one year, you will also need to provide proof of a valid Social Security number and pass a vision test at the office. Bring your current glasses or contacts if you use them.

Fees and Payment Methods

Tennessee driver's license fees depend on the type of license and the transaction. A standard Class D driver's license (the most common type) costs $27.50 for an eight-year renewal. A first-time license or a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $27.50 as well. A duplicate license (if you want an extra copy of your current valid license) costs $11.00.

The Memphis office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Bring your checkbook or card with you; the office does not accept payment by phone or mail for in-person transactions.

If you renew by mail or online, payment methods may differ. Mail renewals typically require a check or money order. Online renewals, where available, accept credit or debit cards. Check the Tennessee DMV website for current renewal options and fees before you visit or mail in your request.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

You may be able to renew your Tennessee driver's license by mail or online without visiting the Memphis office, depending on your situation. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued. You can renew online through the Tennessee DMV website; the process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.

Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will need to complete the process form (available on the Tennessee DMV website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address provided on the form. Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks from the time the office receives your process.

If your license is expired, you have a medical condition, or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at the Memphis office. The same applies if you need a new photo or if you want to change your license class.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Memphis office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all required documents and have them ready to hand over. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, though wait times in the lobby can be longer during peak hours.

At the window, a staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sign your process. You will have your photo taken (unless you are renewing by mail or online). If you are obtaining your first Tennessee license or your license has been expired for more than one year, you will take a vision test at the office. You do not need to study for this; it straightforward checks that you can see well enough to drive safely.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent card. Keep this temporary license with you when you drive.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Replacements

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must visit the Memphis office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and all other required documents. The fee is the same as a renewal.

If you only need to change your address on your license, you can do this online or by mail in most cases, without paying a fee. Visit the Tennessee DMV website to update your address. If you prefer to change your address in person, you can do so at the Memphis office at no charge.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement license. This costs $27.50 and requires you to visit the office in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency as you would for any other transaction. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Contact Information and Additional Resources

The main Memphis driver's license office phone number is 901-465-5519. Call this number to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or get directions. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security also maintains a website at tn.gov/safety where you can find forms, check renewal options, and learn about other driver's license services.

If you have questions about your specific situation—such as whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail, what to do if you have a medical condition, or how to handle a suspended or revoked license—call the office directly. Staff can answer questions about your case and tell you what documents you need before you make the trip.

For road test scheduling (if you are obtaining your first license or need to retake the test), contact the Memphis office directly. Road tests are scheduled separately from license renewal and may have a waiting list depending on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit the Memphis office in person, bring all required documents, and pass a vision test. Your license will be treated as a new license rather than a renewal, though the fee is the same.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Memphis driver's license office?

No appointment is required for most transactions. You can walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. However, you can check the Tennessee DMV website for current wait times before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.

What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days it takes to arrive by mail?

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. It has the same legal status as your permanent license and is accepted by law enforcement. Keep it with you when you drive.

Can I change my address on my license without visiting the office?

Yes, you can change your address online or by mail at no charge in most cases. Visit the Tennessee DMV website to update your address. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit the Memphis office, and there is no fee for an address-only change.

What should I do if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Call the Memphis office at 901-465-5519 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. The process varies depending on the reason and may require you to pay a reinstatement fee or complete other requirements.