Where to Get Your License in Millington

Millington, Tennessee does not have its own Driver Services office. The nearest Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Driver Services location is in Memphis, about 20 miles south. You will need to travel to one of the Memphis-area offices to explore for, renew, or replace your driver's license.

The main Memphis Driver Services office is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the most commonly used location for Millington residents. There is also a satellite office in Germantown (7625 Poplar Avenue, Germantown, TN 38138), which may be slightly closer depending on where you live in Millington. Both offices handle all license types and transactions.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary. Mornings on weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays. The offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (hours may vary by location, so call ahead to confirm).

Key Takeaways

  • Millington has no Driver Services office; you must go to Memphis or Germantown, both about 20 miles away.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any office visit.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and vision test; renewal applicants may not need to test depending on license type and age.
  • Fees range from $27 for a standard four-year license to $70 for a REAL ID, and payment is cash or card at the office.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days for standard mail delivery; expedited options cost extra.

Documents You Need to Bring

Proof of identity is your first requirement. Tennessee accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID (such as a school ID, work badge, or utility bill with your name). A Social Security card alone is not enough.

Proof of Tennessee residency must be current (dated within 90 days of your visit). Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. Bring the original document, not a copy.

Your Social Security number or ITIN is required. Bring your Social Security card or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Tennessee license.

If you are renewing and your current license is still valid, bring it with you. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but you may be charged a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Testing Requirements for First-Time Applicants

If you have never held a Tennessee driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at the Driver Services office. The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the TDOSHS website or in print at the office.

The vision test checks your eyesight to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and will not receive your license until you provide proof that your vision meets the standard.

You get three attempts to pass the written test during your office visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day to try again. There is no additional fee for retesting on the same day, but you will need to return to the office if you fail all three attempts.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may not need to take the written test, depending on your age and how long you have held that license. Ask the staff when you arrive whether you may have access to for a waiver.

License Types and Fees in Tennessee

Tennessee offers several license types, and the fee depends on which one you choose and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license costs $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. This license allows you to drive a regular passenger vehicle and is the most common choice.

A REAL ID-compliant license costs $70 for eight years. This license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You will need to show additional identity documents to get a REAL ID, but the process is the same as a standard license. If you plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility, this is the option to choose.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The fee varies depending on the endorsements you need (such as hazmat or passenger), and you must pass additional tests. CDL applicants should contact TDOSHS directly for specific requirements and fees.

All fees are paid at the office in cash or by card. Your license will be mailed to your address within 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you can request expedited delivery for an additional fee, though this is not always available.

Renewal and Replacement Options

If your Tennessee license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Renewal applicants over age 60 must pass a vision test; younger drivers typically do not need to test unless the staff determines it is necessary.

You can also renew by mail if your license is valid and you have not had any violations or suspensions. The TDOSHS website has a mail renewal form you can read and mail with your current license and payment. Mail renewal takes longer (typically 15 to 20 business days) but saves you a trip to the office.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it; you must contact TDOSHS to learn what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.

Tennessee licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on the type you choose. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal.

What Happens After Your Visit

After you complete your transaction at the Driver Services office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Keep this paper license with you while driving.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 business days under normal processing. Check the address on your process before you leave the office to make sure it is correct. If you move before your license arrives, contact TDOSHS to update your address, or your license may be mailed to the wrong location.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Have your temporary license number ready. Do not assume it is lost; mail delays happen, especially during busy periods.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. You are not required to return it, but keeping both is not necessary and can cause confusion if you are pulled over.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong proof of residency. A utility bill must show your current name and address and be dated within 90 days. A bill from six months ago will not work. If you recently moved, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead, which can be older.

Another frequent error is not bringing enough forms of identity. If you bring only a birth certificate, you must also bring a second ID. A Social Security card alone is not a second form of ID. Plan to bring at least two documents to be safe.

Do not assume you can renew by mail if you have had any traffic violations or license suspensions. Mail renewal is only for drivers with clean records. If you are unsure, call the office or go in person.

Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you have applied for renewal. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to account for mail delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee license if I just moved to Millington?

Yes. You must have proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), proof of identity, and your Social Security number. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time after moving; you can explore as soon as you have the required documents.

What if I fail the written test three times?

You must return to the Driver Services office on a different day to try again. There is no fee for retesting, but you will need to bring your documents again and wait in line. You can study the Tennessee Driver Handbook between attempts.

Can I renew my license online or by phone?

No. Tennessee does not offer online or phone renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is valid and you have no violations, or you can renew in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal takes longer but avoids a trip to Memphis or Germantown.

How much does a REAL ID cost compared to a standard license?

A REAL ID costs $70 for eight years, while a standard license costs $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. The REAL ID is more expensive but is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

Contact the Driver Services office or update your address online through the TDOSHS website. You do not need a new license just to change your address, but keeping your address current is important for receiving renewal notices and official mail.