What you need to bring to the DMV
Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues driver's licenses at 89 service centers across the state. To get a license, you'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all in original or certified form.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or foreign national ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're ineligible.
You'll also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. If you've changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number to any Tennessee DMV service center.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Tennessee traffic laws, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws in real driving conditions.
- Tennessee charges $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, and you can renew online if you meet certain conditions.
- If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the road test, you must pass Tennessee's written knowledge test. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and Tennessee traffic laws. You need to score at least 24 correct answers (80 percent) to pass.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Department of Safety website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about, including what different road signs mean, when you must yield to other vehicles, and the state's seat belt and child safety seat laws.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most service centers, though some locations may require you to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
The road test: what the examiner will watch for
After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test with a Department of Safety examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the service center. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start.
The examiner will watch how you handle basic vehicle control: starting smoothly, steering, accelerating, and braking. You'll be asked to make left and right turns, back up, and park. The examiner will also score you on your knowledge of traffic laws — stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic lights, yielding when required, and maintaining safe speed. You must pass the road test to receive your license.
If you fail, you can retake it, but you'll need to schedule another appointment. The wait time for road test appointments varies by location and season; some service centers have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks.
Requirements if you're under 18
Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system has different rules for drivers under 18. You must first obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test. 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 must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During that time, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — even hands-free. You also cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the vehicle unless a parent or guardian is present.
After you pass the road test, you'll receive an intermediate license, which has fewer restrictions than the learner's permit but more than a full license. At age 18, you can convert to a standard driver's license with no additional testing.
Cost and how long it takes
A four-year Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50. An eight-year license costs $55. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card at service centers. Online renewal is available for some drivers and costs the same amount.
The entire process — from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail — typically takes two to four weeks. Your license is mailed to the address you provided at the service center. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the service center; this is valid for 30 days.
Wait times at service centers vary widely depending on location and time of day. Mornings and weekdays are generally less crowded than afternoons and weekends. You can check current wait times on the Department of Safety website before you go.
Renewing your Tennessee license
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you meet certain conditions — no major traffic violations, no address change, and no name change — you can renew online through the Department of Safety website. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.
If you don't meet the conditions for online renewal, or if you prefer to renew in person, you can visit any service center. You'll need to bring your current license and proof of residency. The process is faster than getting your first license because you won't need to retake the written or road test.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll need to retake both the written and road tests, just as if you were getting your first license.
What to do if you lose your license or it gets damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Tennessee DMV service center. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license.
You can also order a replacement online through the Department of Safety website if your license was lost or stolen. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your replacement is mailed to you. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you to the service center so the examiner can see the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
Yes. Most Tennessee service centers allow you to take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test first. However, some locations may require you to schedule the road test separately. Call ahead to confirm your local service center's policy.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after scheduling another appointment. There is no additional fee, but you may have to wait several weeks depending on your service center's schedule. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit or knowledge test has expired.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Tennessee license?
You must provide a Social Security number or proof that you are ineligible for one. If you don't have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Without either, you cannot receive a license.
Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can get a Tennessee driver's license with a valid foreign passport and proof of residency. You must also provide proof of your Social Security number or ineligibility. Your license will be valid for the same period as a citizen's license.
How do I find the DMV service center nearest me?
The Department of Safety website has a location finder that shows all 89 service centers, their hours, and current wait times. You can search by city or zip code. Many service centers are located in county courthouses or standalone DMV buildings.