Where the Morristown DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Morristown Driver Services office is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is located at 560 West First North Street, Morristown, TN 37814. This office issues and renews driver's licenses, issues learner's permits, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes name changes on your license.

Morristown is in Hamblen County in East Tennessee. The office serves residents of Morristown and surrounding areas who need in-person service. You cannot handle all transactions by mail or online, so knowing when you must visit in person and what documents to bring will save you a trip back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morristown office is at 560 West First North Street and handles license issuance, renewals, learner's permits, and reinstatements.
  • You must visit in person for your first license, a learner's permit, a Real ID upgrade, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • Hours and wait times change by season and day of week; call ahead at the office phone number or check the Tennessee DMV website before you go.
  • Fees vary by license type and whether you are renewing or getting a new license; bring cash, debit, or credit card.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires specific documents for every transaction at the Morristown office. The exact list depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, upgrading to Real ID, or handling a suspension. Start with the documents required for all transactions: your Social Security card (the physical card, not a number written down), proof of your current Tennessee address, and proof of identity.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. The name on the document must match the name you are using on your license process. If you have recently moved and do not have a 90-day-old document yet, bring two documents showing your new address, even if one is older than 90 days.

For proof of identity, Tennessee accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military discharge papers (DD-214), or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are renewing a license you already hold, you may be able to use your current license as proof of identity, but call the Morristown office first to confirm this applies to your situation.

If you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license, bring all the documents listed above plus one additional document proving your Social Security number. This can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. Real ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025.

When You Must Visit in Person Versus Online or by Mail

Tennessee allows some transactions online or by mail, but many require you to visit the Morristown office. You must visit in person if you are getting your first Tennessee driver's license, obtaining a learner's permit, upgrading to Real ID, or if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also must visit in person if you are changing your name, address, or gender marker on your license.

You can renew a standard driver's license online through the Tennessee DMV website if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test. You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to use the online system. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit the office in person.

If you need to reinstate a suspended license, you must visit the Morristown office with proof that you have paid any fines, completed required courses, or resolved the reason for the suspension. The office staff will verify your reinstatement status before issuing a new license.

Hours, Phone Number, and How to Avoid Long Waits

The Morristown Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but hours may change seasonally or for holidays. Call the office directly at (423) 581-4030 to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are planning a trip during a holiday week.

Wait times at the Morristown office vary by day and time of day. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Mondays. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number. During busy seasons (late summer and early fall, when school-age drivers renew), expect waits of 30 minutes to over an hour.

To reduce your wait, arrive with all required documents already gathered and filled out. Bring the process for Tennessee Driver License or Learner Permit (form DL-44) completed before you arrive. You can read this form from the Tennessee DMV website. Having your documents organized and your form filled out means the staff can process you faster once you reach the counter.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license fees in Tennessee depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year driver's license costs $27.50. An eight-year license costs $39.50. A learner's permit costs $19.50. Real ID-compliant licenses cost an additional $15 on top of the standard license fee. Fees are subject to change, so call the office or check the Tennessee DMV website to confirm the current amount before you visit.

The Morristown office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by card, the office may charge a small processing fee. Bring enough cash or may support your card is active, because the office does not accept checks or money orders.

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your Tennessee driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it online or by mail. You must visit the Morristown office in person. Before you go, find out why your license was suspended. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the DMV, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.

Once you know the reason, take the steps needed to resolve it. If it was a fine, pay it. If it was child support, contact the child support office to confirm payment or arrange a payment plan. If it was a medical condition, obtain a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive. Bring proof of resolution with you to the Morristown office.

The office staff will check your record and verify that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. If everything is in order, they will issue a new license. If the issue has not been resolved, they will tell you what additional steps you need to take before you can get your license back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Morristown office. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date beyond the normal renewal period, so plan accordingly.

Do I need an appointment at the Morristown office?

No. The Morristown Driver Services office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You will need to obtain a replacement Social Security card before you can get a driver's license at the Morristown office. Contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement. You can explore online at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. Bring the replacement card with you when you visit the DMV.

Can I get a Real ID license at the Morristown office?

Yes. The Morristown office issues Real ID-compliant licenses. Bring your Social Security card, proof of address, proof of identity, and one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a W-2 or tax return). Real ID licenses cost $15 more than a standard license.

What if I need a duplicate license because mine was lost or stolen?

Visit the Morristown office with your proof of identity and proof of address. You can request a duplicate license, which costs the same as a renewal. The office will issue a new license with the same number as your lost or stolen license.