Documents you must bring to the DMV
Tennessee requires you to bring six things to your local Driver Services office to get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, a completed process, your current license or ID (if you have one), and payment for the fee.
The state calls this the "REAL ID-compliant" process, which means the documents must meet federal standards. If you show up without the right papers, the DMV will turn you away and you'll have to return another day.
Below is what counts as proof for each category. You need at least one document from each group — you cannot use two documents from the same group to fill two requirements.
| What You Need | Documents That Work |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license or ID card |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN printed on it |
| Proof of Tennessee Residency | Utility bill, lease or mortgage document, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (all must show your name and current Tennessee address and be dated within 60 days) |
| process | Form DL-44, completed before you arrive or at the office |
| Current License or ID | Your existing driver's license, ID card, or passport (not required if you have never had one) |
| Fee Payment | Cash, debit card, or credit card (no personal checks) |
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document from each of six categories: identity, Social Security, residency, a completed process, your current license, and payment.
- Your residency proof must show your name and current Tennessee address and cannot be older than 60 days.
- You cannot use the same document twice — for example, a passport counts as identity but not as Social Security proof.
- If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian's signature on the process and their ID at the office.
- The fee varies by license type and how long you want it to last, so call your local Driver Services office or check the Tennessee DMV website for the exact amount.
What happens at the Driver Services office
When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together. The staff will check that each one meets the requirements and make copies of them. If any document is missing or does not match the rules, they will tell you what to bring back.
Next, you will take the written test on a computer. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost, but you will have to wait a short time between attempts.
After you pass the written test, you will have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned. The staff will give you a temporary paper license that you can use right away while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and how long a license lasts
Tennessee driver's licenses cost different amounts depending on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard license for someone 21 or older costs less than a license for a teenager, and you can choose to get a license that lasts 4 years, 5 years, or 8 years.
The longer you choose, the higher the upfront cost, but you will pay less per year. For example, an 8-year license costs more at the time you buy it, but you will not have to renew it as often. Call your local Driver Services office or visit the Tennessee DMV website to find out the exact price for the type of license you want.
You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will not accept personal checks or money orders.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are a minor, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the Driver Services office. They will need to sign the process in front of the staff, and they must bring their own ID so the office can verify they are who they say they are.
Minors also have to follow Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) rules, which restrict when and how you can drive during your first year. For example, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle. These rules are printed on your license and on the back of your temporary paper license.
If you are moving to Tennessee from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test again. Instead, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license by bringing your out-of-state license as your proof of identity, along with the other five required documents.
You will still have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned, and you will still get a temporary paper license while your plastic card is made. The process takes the same amount of time — about 7 to 10 business days for your permanent license to arrive.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will have to take the written test. Tennessee does not accept expired licenses as proof of identity for the exchange process.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office and hours
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the one closest to you and check its hours on the Tennessee DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so it is worth calling ahead to ask how long the wait usually is on the day you plan to go.
Many offices now let you make an appointment online, which can save you time. Even if you have an appointment, bring all your documents in order so the staff can process you quickly.
If you cannot get to an office during regular business hours, some locations stay open one evening per week or offer Saturday hours. Check your local office's schedule before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take the written test at a Driver Services office on a computer provided by the staff. You cannot take it online or by mail. You do have to pass it before you can get your license, so plan to study the Tennessee Driver Handbook beforehand.
What if I fail the written test?
You can take it again the same day at no extra charge. You will have to wait a short time between attempts, usually 15 to 30 minutes. If you fail a second time, you can come back another day and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Tennessee driver's license?
Yes. Tennessee law requires you to provide your Social Security number and proof of it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration first to get one before you can get a driver's license.
How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?
Your plastic license card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You can use your temporary paper license to drive right away while you wait. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call your local Driver Services office to check on it.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot be there when it arrives?
Your license is mailed directly to the address you provided on your process, so you do not have to pick it up in person. If you are not home when it arrives, it will be left in your mailbox or with your mail carrier. If you are concerned about it being lost, you can ask the Driver Services office to hold it for you to pick up instead.