The Memphis Driver Services Center is your main location
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs one main driver services office in Memphis where you can get a driver's license. It is located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. This is the office that handles most license transactions for Shelby County residents — renewals, replacements, new licenses, and address changes.
You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. Bring your documents with you; staff will tell you when ready if something is missing rather than making you return later.
The office also handles commercial driver's license (CDL) testing and renewal, though you will need to schedule a CDL knowledge test in advance through the Tennessee online system.
Key Takeaways
- The main Memphis driver services office is at 1150 Poplar Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointments required.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- Tennessee allows you to renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.
- If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, bring a police report or file one at the Memphis Police Department first.
- The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards for fees, which vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
What documents you need to bring
Tennessee requires specific documents no matter which Memphis location you visit. You must bring one form of proof of identity — a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting. Bring the actual documents, not copies, though staff may photocopy them for your file.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, bring the license itself. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number or file a report with Memphis Police Department before you go — the driver services office will not issue a replacement without documentation of the loss.
Online and mail renewal options
You do not have to visit the Memphis office in person if your license is still valid and you meet Tennessee's renewal conditions. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and your address is current in the system.
Mail renewal is also available for certain license types. You will mail your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the state. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Online renewal is usually the fastest option and can be completed in minutes. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and payment methods
Driver's license fees in Tennessee depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The Memphis office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — no personal checks.
If you are unsure of the exact fee for your situation, call the Memphis office at the number listed on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you visit. Staff can tell you the cost based on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one.
What to expect when you arrive
Arrive with all your documents ready. The office will check your paperwork first — if anything is missing, staff will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, you will take a vision test and have your photo taken. The vision test is straightforward and takes less than a minute.
You will also answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you want to be an organ donor. Answer honestly; the information goes into the state system and is used to issue your license. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary is legal to use.
If you have a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Memphis office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the Tennessee Department of Safety. This usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact the Department of Safety directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can visit the Memphis office to renew or replace your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a long wait at the office later. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew.
What if I moved to Memphis from another state?
You must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Memphis, and proof of identity. The Memphis office will issue your Tennessee license and you can surrender your old license at that time.
Do I need an appointment at the Memphis driver services office?
No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in during business hours without scheduling ahead. Wait times vary depending on the day and time you visit; early mornings and mid-week days are often less busy than afternoons and Fridays.
How long does it take to get a new license after I visit?
You receive a temporary license printed on the spot that is valid when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent arrives, the temporary is legal to use.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?
Visit the Memphis office with a police report documenting the loss. Staff will issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary is valid for driving while you wait.