The Memphis Driver Services Center is your main location for a new license

If you live in Memphis and need a driver's license, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs one Driver Services Center in the city. It is located at 1148 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is where you go to take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it is issued.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot walk in without an appointment — you must schedule one online through the Tennessee Driver Services website or by calling 1-844-824-8748. Wait times vary, but booking ahead means you know when to show up rather than waiting in line.

If you are renewing a license that is not suspended and you have no violations to clear, you can renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person. The online option is faster and costs less, but it is only available if your license is current and you meet a few other conditions — the state website will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Memphis Driver Services Center at 1148 Poplar Avenue is the only location in Memphis where you can take your written and road tests.
  • You must book an appointment online or by phone before you visit — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • If you are renewing a valid license with no violations, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting the center.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the state website lists exactly what documents count.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof. A Social Security card is the easiest proof of your number, but a W-2 form or tax return also works. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, 1099, or tax return. If you cannot find any of these, you will need to explore for a Social Security card first through the Social Security Administration office in Memphis before you can get a driver's license.

Bring originals, not copies. The staff will check them and return them to you. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form, and they must come with you to the appointment.

How to book your appointment online

Go to the Tennessee Driver Services website and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose Memphis as your location, then pick the type of service you need — new license, renewal, or road test. The system will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks. Pick one that works for your schedule and confirm. You will get a confirmation number by email or text.

If you cannot use the online system, call 1-844-824-8748. A staff member can book you over the phone. Have your name, date of birth, and a phone number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early on the day of your appointment. Bring all your documents and your confirmation number. If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait for your name to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. For a new license, the fee is $28.50. For a renewal, it is $27.50. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

Next, you will take the written test if you are getting a new license. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of 80 percent or higher. If you fail, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule your road test — usually within a few days to a week. You will drive with a state examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. If you pass, your license is printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few days.

Road test scheduling and what to expect

After you pass your written test, the center will give you a date and time for your road test. You must bring your own vehicle — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you drive.

The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive in city traffic and on local roads. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop at signs, and merge. They are watching whether you follow traffic laws, check your mirrors, and stay calm. Most people pass on their first try if they have practiced.

If you do not pass, you can take the test again. You will need to pay the test fee again and book another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but each attempt costs money and takes time to schedule.

If your license is suspended or you have violations

If your Tennessee license is suspended, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or too many points on your record. You need to resolve the reason for the suspension first — usually by paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a required course.

Contact the Tennessee Driver Services office by phone at 1-844-824-8748 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to take action. Once the suspension is cleared, you can book an appointment and come in to renew or get a new license.

If you have unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, the court or the collection agency handling your case will tell you how to pay. Paying does not always lift a suspension when ready — some take a few days to process. Call the Driver Services office again after you pay to confirm the suspension has been removed.

Getting a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant license in Memphis

Tennessee offers a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which you can use for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard Tennessee license does not meet federal requirements as of May 2025. If you need to fly or enter a federal facility, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or a military ID.

To get a REAL ID license in Memphis, you follow the same process as a regular license, but you bring additional documents that prove your identity and residency more thoroughly. You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a state ID or passport, and two proofs of residency. The fee is $28.50, the same as a standard license.

When you book your appointment, tell the staff you want a REAL ID license. They will make sure you bring the right documents. Your REAL ID license will have a gold star in the top right corner so you can see at a glance that it meets federal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I live in Memphis?

You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, you have no violations to clear, and your license is not expired by more than a year. Go to the Tennessee Driver Services website and follow the online renewal steps. The system will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start.

What if I fail my road test?

You can take it again. You will need to pay the test fee again and book another appointment through the Driver Services website or by phone. There is no limit to how many times you can try, but each attempt takes time and money.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, 1099, or tax return that shows your Social Security number counts as proof of your number. Bring whichever document you have. The staff will check it and return it to you.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your license is usually printed on the spot, but it may be mailed to you within a few days. Ask the staff before you leave whether you are getting it that day or by mail.

What if I cannot get to the Memphis center during business hours?

The Memphis Driver Services Center is only open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you cannot make those hours, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you are may be able to access. Otherwise, you will need to take time off work or school to visit.