Where to go for your Morristown driver's license

The Morristown Driver Services office is located at 560 West First North Street, Morristown, TN 37814. This is the only Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) office in Hamblen County, so it handles all driver's license and ID card services for the area.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — the office works on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoon.

You can call the Morristown office at (423) 585-2060 with questions about what documents to bring or current wait times. The staff can also tell you whether you need to visit in person or whether your situation may be handled by mail or online.

Key Takeaways

  • The Morristown Driver Services office is at 560 West First North Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to get a standard driver's license.
  • A Real ID-compliant license requires the same documents plus a certified birth certificate or passport, and costs $27 instead of $24.
  • If you are renewing or replacing a license, you may be able to do so by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person.
  • Minors under 18 need parental consent and must pass a vision test and written knowledge test before taking the road test.

Documents you need for a first-time license

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card from another state. A school ID or work ID alone will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and a Morristown or Hamblen County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. The office will take it and send it back to the state that issued it. You will also need to pay the license fee — $24 for a standard five-year license, or $27 for a Real ID-compliant license.

Real ID versus standard license in Tennessee

A Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Tennessee's Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The main difference is what you must bring to get it.

For a Real ID license, you must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport in addition to the identity, residency, and Social Security documents listed above. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be certified by the county clerk or vital records office where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a valid passport is the easiest option.

The Real ID license costs $3 more than a standard license ($27 instead of $24) and is valid for five years, the same as a standard license. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other purposes.

The written test and road test

Before you can take the road test, you must pass the written knowledge test at the Morristown office. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the TDOSHS website or in print at the Morristown office.

The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the office, and you get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test. The Morristown office does not conduct road tests itself — those are held at a separate testing facility. The staff will give you information about scheduling and where to go. Road tests in Hamblen County are usually scheduled within one to two weeks of your written test.

For the road test, bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is safe and registered. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, control steering and braking, obey traffic signs, and handle common driving situations. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Getting a permit if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. To get a permit, you need parental or guardian consent — a parent or guardian must be present at the Morristown office and sign the process. You will also need the same identity, residency, and Social Security documents as an adult.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test.

After you pass the road test, you will get a restricted license valid until you turn 18. The restrictions are the same as the permit — you need a licensed adult in the car, and you cannot drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m. Once you turn 18, you can renew to a standard license without taking another test.

Renewing or replacing your license by mail

If your license is not suspended or revoked, and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting the Morristown office. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years.

To renew by mail, contact the Morristown office or visit the TDOSHS website to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include the renewal fee ($24 for a standard license, $27 for Real ID), and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you can also do this by mail if your license is not suspended. You will need to pay the replacement fee and provide a statement about what happened to your original license. Some replacements can be done online through the TDOSHS website if you have a valid email address on file.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Tennessee driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are temporary — they last for a set period, usually 30 days to one year depending on the reason. Revocations are permanent unless you go through a formal process to restore your driving privileges.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical conditions that make driving unsafe. If you have unpaid fines, you must pay them before the suspension is lifted. If you have a medical issue, you may need to provide a doctor's letter saying you are safe to drive.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the Morristown office or check the TDOSHS website. If it is suspended, ask what you need to do to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew or replace your license at the Morristown office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must take the written test in person at the Morristown Driver Services office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study at home using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, but the test itself must be taken at the office on a computer provided by staff.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period. Each attempt costs the same as the first test. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the handbook between attempts.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a W-2 instead?

Either works. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The office just needs proof of your number — the card itself is not required.

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

You get your license the same day you pass the road test. The examiner will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within one to two weeks.

Can I get a Real ID license if I was born outside the United States?

Yes. You need a valid U.S. passport instead of a birth certificate. Bring your passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, and the office will issue a Real ID license. The passport must be current or expired for less than five years.