You can get a Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, or you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions.

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state where you can take the written test, pass the road test, and receive your license on the same day. These are the only places that issue new licenses in Tennessee. You cannot get a license at a county clerk's office, a DMV (Tennessee does not have a DMV), or online.

If you already hold a valid Tennessee license and it has not expired more than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting a center. Mail renewal is available only for standard licenses, not for commercial licenses or licenses with restrictions. The state sends renewal notices to your address on file, and you can return the form with payment by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver Services Centers are the only places in Tennessee that issue new driver's licenses, and you must visit one in person to take the written and road tests.
  • Tennessee has 17 Driver Services Centers located across the state, and you can visit any of them regardless of where you live.
  • If you already have a valid Tennessee license that expired less than two years ago, you may renew by mail without visiting a center.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to get a new license, and the fee varies depending on the type of license you request.

Finding a Driver Services Center Near You

Tennessee's 17 Driver Services Centers are spread across the state in cities including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, and Johnson City. You do not have to visit the center in your county—you can go to any center that is convenient for you. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website lists all locations, hours, and phone numbers.

Many centers operate by appointment only, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Before you drive to a center, call ahead or check the website to see whether you need to book a time slot or whether walk-ins are accepted. Some centers have long wait times during peak hours, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday may be faster than visiting on a Saturday.

If you live in a rural area far from any center, you may be able to take the written test at a different location. Some county sheriff's offices and police departments administer the written test for a fee, though you will still need to visit a Driver Services Center to take the road test and receive your license.

What Documents You Need to Bring

To get a new Tennessee driver's license, you must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Tennessee accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return as proof of your number. For identity, you can use a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or guardian, and that parent or guardian must be present at the Driver Services Center when you take your test. If you are renewing a license that has expired, bring your expired license along with the documents listed above.

Bring the originals of these documents—photocopies are not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.

The Written Test and Road Test

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and at every Driver Services Center. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must schedule another appointment to try again.

After you pass the written test, you will take the road test with an examiner from the Driver Services Center. The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and obeying traffic signals. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.

If you pass both tests on the same day, you will receive your license before you leave the center. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt, though you will not need to retake the written test.

License Types and Fees

Tennessee issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older. A Class D Restricted license is for drivers 16 and 17 and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work.

The fee for a new Class D license is $27 and is valid for eight years. A Class D Restricted license costs $27 and is valid until you turn 18, at which point you can upgrade to a standard license. A CDL costs more and requires additional testing. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same as renewing in person.

Tennessee does not charge extra for a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. All new licenses issued in Tennessee are Real ID-compliant by default.

Renewing Your License by Mail

If your Tennessee license expired less than two years ago and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions added since it was issued, you can renew by mail. Tennessee will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions for mailing in your payment and old license.

Mail your completed form, payment, and expired license to the address shown on the notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You cannot change your address, name, or license class by mail—you must visit a Driver Services Center to make those changes.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can call the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to request one, or you can visit a Driver Services Center to renew in person.

Special Situations: Suspensions, Restrictions, and Out-of-State Licenses

If your Tennessee license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail and must visit a Driver Services Center. You may also need to complete other steps, such as paying a reinstatement fee or taking a defensive driving course, before you can get a new license. Call the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out what you need to do.

If you are moving to Tennessee from another state and want to convert your out-of-state license to a Tennessee license, you must visit a Driver Services Center. You will need to pass the written test but may not need to take the road test, depending on your age and how long you have held a valid license in another state. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

If you have a commercial license from another state, converting it to a Tennessee CDL requires passing the written test and the road test. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Tennessee that waive the road test for certain drivers, so ask the examiner whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Tennessee law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment at any Driver Services Center. You do not need to retake the written test. There is no limit to how many times you can take the road test, but you must pay the fee each time you schedule an appointment.

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

If you pass both the written and road tests on the same day, you receive your license before you leave the Driver Services Center. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks. If you fail a test and need to schedule another appointment, the wait depends on how busy the center is and whether appointments are available.

Can I use my Tennessee driver's license to fly on an airplane?

Yes, if your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, which means it is Real ID-compliant. All new Tennessee licenses are Real ID-compliant. If your license does not have the star, you can use a passport or other federal ID to fly instead.

What if I move to a different address in Tennessee?

You must visit a Driver Services Center to update your address. You cannot change your address by mail. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.