What You Need to Do to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
To get a Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and vision test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes about an hour if you have all your documents ready. Tennessee issues licenses valid for five or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online if you don't need to change your address or photo.
The state does not mail licenses to you—you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within two weeks. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can test for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your original documents; you cannot complete this by mail or online.
- Bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate with state ID, or military ID) plus proof you live in Tennessee, such as a utility bill or lease.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and a vision test at the center; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
- The fee is $28.50 for a five-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for 180 days before you can test for a full license.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center
Tennessee requires one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in the state. Your identity document must be an original (not a copy) and must include your date of birth and a photo or signature. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate paired with a state ID card or military ID, a foreign passport with a visa, or a military ID card.
For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a family member's name plus a signed statement from that person saying you live there, along with your birth certificate or Social Security card.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have a license from another state.
The Written Test and Vision Test at the Center
The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver Services Center, and you must score at least 24 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The examiner will test each eye separately and together. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you and wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a waiting period, but you cannot get your license until you pass.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee to retake either test. Most people pass both on their first try if they have studied the handbook and can see the screen clearly.
Fees and What You Receive
A five-year Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50. An eight-year license costs $57. You pay at the Driver Services Center when you pass your tests. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
You will receive a temporary paper license printed at the center before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied.
If You Are Under 18: The Learner's Permit and Waiting Period
If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a full driver's license. You must first complete a driver education course approved by Tennessee, then get a learner's permit, then wait 180 days before you can test for a full license.
The driver education course can be taken online or in a classroom and covers traffic laws and safe driving. Once you finish, bring your course completion certificate to a Driver Services Center along with your documents. You will take the written test and vision test, and if you pass, you receive a learner's permit. A learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. After you have held the permit for 180 days, you can return to the Driver Services Center to test for a full license. You will take the written test again and a road test where an examiner watches you drive. If you pass both, you get your full license.
Where to Find a Driver Services Center and How to Prepare
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or zip code. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have extended hours or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations ask you to book a time slot online to reduce wait times.
Before you go, gather all your documents and make sure they are originals, not copies. Check that your identity document has not expired (though an expired license from another state is still acceptable as proof of identity). Write down your Social Security number so you have it ready. Study the Tennessee Driver Handbook for at least a few days before your test so you feel confident about the written portion.
Wear your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. Bring a pen in case you need to sign anything. Plan to spend about an hour at the center, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits are usually faster than afternoon visits.
Renewing Your License Online or in Person
When your license is about to expire, Tennessee sends you a renewal notice in the mail. If you are 18 or older, have not changed your address, and do not need a new photo, you can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Online renewal costs $28.50 for five years or $57 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.
If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you moved, and any documents showing a name change if applicable. The process is the same as getting a new license, including the written and vision tests, though some centers may waive the written test for renewals if you have held a valid license for a certain period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, along with your other required documents. You will still be able to get a license and will be assigned an identification number instead of using a Social Security number.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second try if they study the handbook between attempts.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?
Not always. If you renew in person and have held a valid Tennessee license for at least three years, the Driver Services Center may waive the written test. If you renew online, you do not take any test. If you renew in person and have held your license for less than three years, you will likely need to retake the written test.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license arrives within two weeks of your visit to the Driver Services Center. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you have time to drive while you wait. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, contact the center where you applied.
Can I change my address on my license without getting a new one?
No. If you move to a new address in Tennessee, you must renew your license in person at a Driver Services Center and bring proof of your new address. You cannot update your address online or by mail.