What you need to do to get a Tennessee driver's license

To get a Tennessee driver's license, you visit your local Driver Services office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. Tennessee does not allow online or mail-in applications — you must appear at an office with your documents. The whole process typically takes one visit for the written test and a second visit for the driving test, though some offices combine both on the same day if you pass the written exam first.

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof that you are a Tennessee resident. The specific documents that count vary slightly by situation — whether you were born in the U.S., whether you have a current out-of-state license, and whether you are a minor or adult. Tennessee also requires a Real ID-compliant document if you want to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security information; Tennessee does not process applications by mail or online.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The driving test is a behind-the-wheel exam where an examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks; you must pass both tests to receive your license.
  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs around $27 for an adult and is valid for five years, but the exact fee depends on the type of license and your age.
  • If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to retake the written test, but you will still take a driving test and vision screening.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Tennessee. For identity, Tennessee accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID card, a certified birth certificate, or a tribal ID. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your current Tennessee address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with their proof of residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or be prepared to state the number and answer questions to verify it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Real ID requirements if you want federal compliance

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. Tennessee offers Real ID licenses at the same offices where you get a standard license. If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documentation: either a certified birth certificate or a passport, plus proof of a Social Security number.

The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and looks nearly identical, except for a small star in the upper right corner. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard Tennessee license is sufficient. You can upgrade to a Real ID later if your plans change.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form, and you must score at least 80 percent (24 out of 30 correct) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

Tennessee provides a free study guide called the Tennessee Driver's Handbook on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Most people study the handbook for a few hours before taking the test. If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, Tennessee may waive the written test, but you will still take a vision screening and a driving test.

The driving test: what the examiner will watch you do

The driving test is a behind-the-wheel exam that lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some offices have test vehicles) while a state examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks. The examiner will ask you to start the car, drive forward and backward, turn, park, and stop at stop signs and traffic lights. They are checking that you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance and registration. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. There is no extra charge to retake the test.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A standard Tennessee driver's license for an adult costs approximately $27 and is valid for five years. The exact fee depends on whether you are getting a standard license or a Real ID, and whether you are renewing or getting your first license. Minors (ages 16 to 18) pay a lower fee, typically around $15 to $20, and their licenses expire when they turn 21.

Tennessee accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at Driver Services offices. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement for a smaller fee (usually around $10 to $15) without retaking the tests. You can renew your license by mail or online if you are not changing your address or adding a Real ID, but a first-time license always requires an in-person visit.

If you already have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Tennessee, you do not have to retake the written test. Instead, you will take a vision screening and a driving test. You must bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of identity. Some offices will waive the driving test if your out-of-state license is current and you have no serious violations, but this varies by office — call ahead to ask.

You will still pay the full fee for a Tennessee license. Your out-of-state license will no longer be valid once you receive your Tennessee license, so plan to surrender it at the office. If you want a Real ID license, you will need to bring the additional documents (certified birth certificate or passport) even if you are transferring from another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. This applies to some non-citizens and people with certain visa statuses. Bring the letter along with your other identity and residency documents to the Driver Services office.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at no extra charge. Most offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though some offices may require you to wait a certain number of days between attempts.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Most Tennessee Driver Services offices require you to bring your own vehicle, which must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A few offices have test vehicles available, but this is rare. Call your local office to ask whether they provide a test vehicle before you schedule your exam.

How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass both the written and driving tests on your first try, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on how the office processes it. If you need to retake either test, add a few days to a few weeks depending on when you can schedule the next attempt and how busy the office is.

Can I renew my Tennessee license online?

You can renew online if you are not changing your address, not adding a Real ID, and your license is not expired by more than five years. For a first-time license or if you are making changes, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.