Book your Tennessee DMV appointment online or by phone before you visit
Tennessee lets you schedule a driver's license appointment through the state's online system or by calling the DMV directly. You do not have to book ahead — you can walk in to most locations — but scheduling saves you from waiting in line for hours. The online system shows you available times at your nearest office, and you can pick a slot that works for your schedule.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs the appointment system. You can reach them at 1-866-882-7905 (toll-free) or visit the online booking portal at tn.gov/safety. Have your driver's license number, Social Security number, or ID number ready when you call or book online.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee DMV appointments can be booked online at tn.gov/safety or by calling 1-866-882-7905 during business hours.
- Walk-ins are accepted at most Tennessee DMV locations, but appointment holders are typically seen before walk-in customers.
- You will need to bring specific documents based on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license.
- Appointment availability varies by location and time of year, so book at least a few days ahead if possible.
- If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone without penalty.
What documents to bring to your Tennessee DMV appointment
The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a government-issued ID and proof of residency. For a first-time license, you will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill.
Tennessee also requires proof of legal presence in the United States for all new licenses. This can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or immigration document. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements, call 1-866-882-7905 before your appointment.
How to book online through the Tennessee DMV system
Go to tn.gov/safety and look for the appointment scheduling link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your zip code or county to find nearby DMV locations. The system shows you available appointment times for each location, usually several weeks out. Select the date and time that works for you.
You will receive a confirmation number by email or text message, depending on how you set up your account. Save this number — you will need it if you have to reschedule or cancel. Most confirmations arrive within a few minutes. If you do not receive one within an hour, check your spam folder or call the DMV to confirm your appointment was recorded.
The online system is open 24 hours a day, so you can book at any time. However, appointment slots fill up faster during lunch hours and late afternoons, so booking early in the morning or mid-week often gives you more options.
Calling the DMV to schedule by phone
Call 1-866-882-7905 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Saturday and Sunday hours vary by location, so ask when you call. Have your zip code or county ready, and tell the representative what service you need (renewal, replacement, or new license).
The representative will tell you available times at your nearest office and book the slot you choose. They will give you a confirmation number over the phone — write it down when ready. If the wait time is long, try calling early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when call volume is typically lower.
If you reach an automated system instead of a person, follow the prompts to enter your information. The system will offer available times and confirm your appointment before you hang up.
Walk-in visits without an appointment
You can walk into any Tennessee DMV location without scheduling ahead. However, walk-in customers are usually served after appointment holders, so you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is. During peak times — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays — wait times can stretch to two or three hours.
If you choose to walk in, arrive with all required documents and be prepared to spend time waiting. Bring a book or something to do. Some offices post current wait times on their websites or on a display in the lobby, so you can check before you go in.
What to do if you need to reschedule or cancel
If you booked online, log back into tn.gov/safety with your confirmation number to reschedule or cancel. You can make changes up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel, your appointment slot opens up for other people to book.
If you booked by phone or need to reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment, call 1-866-882-7905. Explain that you need to reschedule and provide your confirmation number. There is no fee or penalty for rescheduling, and the DMV will find you a new time at the same or a different location.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you can still walk in to any DMV office, but you will be treated as a walk-in customer and may wait longer. You do not need to reschedule — just show up with your documents.
DMV locations and hours across Tennessee
Tennessee has DMV offices in every county. The main office in Nashville is at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Most locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices staying open until 5 or 6 p.m. A few locations have Saturday hours, usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hours vary by location, so check tn.gov/safety or call 1-866-882-7905 to confirm the hours for your nearest office before you go. Some smaller county offices may have limited hours or close for lunch, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
If your nearest office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different location. The online appointment system shows availability at all nearby offices, so you can choose the one with the shortest wait or the most convenient time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an appointment for someone else?
No. The person who needs the license must schedule their own appointment or have a parent or guardian do it for them if they are under 18. You will need the person's identifying information to book, and they must be present at the appointment with their documents.
How far in advance can I schedule a Tennessee DMV appointment?
The online system typically shows availability up to 30 days ahead, though this varies by location. If you need an appointment further out, call 1-866-882-7905 to ask about future availability. Some locations fill up faster than others, especially in urban areas.
What if I do not have a zip code or county to enter in the online system?
Call 1-866-882-7905 and tell the representative where you live or work. They can look up the nearest DMV office for you and book an appointment. You can also visit any DMV location in the state — you are not limited to your home county.
Is there a fee to schedule an appointment?
No. Scheduling an appointment is free. You will pay the standard license fee when you visit the office — renewal fees are typically $27 for an eight-year license, but fees vary based on the type of license and your age.
What happens if the online system is down?
Call 1-866-882-7905 to book by phone, or walk into your nearest DMV office. The phone line and in-person service are always available, even if the website is temporarily unavailable.