Where to go for your Shelby County driver's license
In Shelby County, Tennessee, you get your driver's license from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services office. The main location is in Memphis, but Shelby County also has satellite offices in some areas. You cannot renew or obtain a license online or by mail — you must appear in person with your documents.
The Memphis Driver Services office is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. This is the busiest location and typically has longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. If you live in a different part of Shelby County, check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for satellite office locations and hours, as these change periodically.
Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Scheduling ahead usually cuts your wait time significantly, though appointments fill up weeks in advance during peak seasons.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a Shelby County driver's license.
- The main Memphis office is at 1414 Poplar Avenue, but satellite locations exist throughout the county and may have shorter wait times.
- Tennessee requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test before you receive your license.
- A standard driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years; you can renew it in person, by mail, or online before it expires.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
Documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID as your primary identity document. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity only if it has not expired more than one year ago.
For proof of residency in Shelby County, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your residence address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows your number, such as your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form.
The written test and vision screening
Before you take the driving test, you must pass Tennessee's written knowledge test. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You get 30 questions and must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online or at any Driver Services office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before their test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts.
During your visit, you will also have your vision screened. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot proceed with your license that day.
The driving skills test
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you schedule your driving test. In Shelby County, the wait for a driving test appointment is typically two to four weeks, depending on the season. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.
The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner will also check that you can operate the vehicle's controls safely. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and not using turn signals.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one week. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Cost and validity of your license
A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for eight years. If you are 18 to 20 years old, your license is valid for five years instead. The fee is paid at the Driver Services office when you receive your license — there is no fee for the written or driving test.
Your license will have your photo, signature, and a license number. You can choose to have your photo taken at the office, or you can bring a recent photo if you prefer. The photo on your license must be a clear headshot with a plain background.
You can renew your license before it expires by visiting a Driver Services office in person, mailing in a renewal form, or renewing online if you meet certain requirements. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years.
Special situations: Minors and learner's permits
If you are under 18, Tennessee requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. You can take the course at a public school, private driving school, or online program approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Once you complete the course, you can get a learner's permit at any Driver Services office. The permit costs $10 and allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for your full license.
Minors under 18 also have restrictions on their full license. For the first six months after getting your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless they are family members.
Real ID and enhanced licenses
Tennessee offers a Real ID compliant driver's license that meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($28.50) and requires the same documents, plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
You can also get an enhanced driver's license, which allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. An enhanced license costs $58 and requires additional documents proving citizenship and residency. Both Real ID and enhanced licenses are valid for eight years.
If you do not get a Real ID license, you will need a passport or other federal ID to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025. A standard Tennessee driver's license will no longer be accepted for federal purposes after that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Shelby County driver's license by mail?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you can renew by mail. You will need to submit a renewal form, your current license, and the renewal fee. Mail it to the address on the form. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one week. There is no additional fee. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision has changed. Schedule your next test appointment online or by calling the Driver Services office.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Even if you have a valid out-of-state license, Tennessee requires you to pass the written knowledge test and driving test to get a Tennessee license. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, but you still must demonstrate knowledge of Tennessee traffic laws.
How long does it take to get a driver's license in Shelby County?
If you schedule an appointment and pass all tests on your first try, you can get your license the same day. If you need to retake the written or driving test, the process takes one to four weeks depending on how quickly you schedule your next appointment. The driving test wait is typically two to four weeks.
What happens if I move out of Shelby County?
Your Tennessee driver's license remains valid even if you move to another county or state. You do not need to get a new license unless your address changes and you want to update it. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services office.