What you need to get a Tennessee driver's license
Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit a driver services center in person — you cannot complete the process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you're renewing a valid license. If you're renewing online through the state's system (available only for certain renewals), you can skip the in-person visit — but most people still need to appear at a center.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee requires you to visit a driver services center in person to get or renew a license; bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test and written knowledge exam; renewal applicants may be able to renew online if their license is not expired and they meet other conditions.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years for drivers under 65 and eight years for drivers 65 and older.
- You can find your nearest driver services center and check wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.
- If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most centers, but you'll pay the test fee again.
Where to go and how long it takes
The Tennessee Department of Safety operates driver services centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times on the official Tennessee Department of Safety website. Some centers are busier than others — rural centers often have shorter waits than those in Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.
Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. Many centers report shorter waits on weekday mornings and longer waits on Saturdays and late afternoons. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you're likely to spend less time waiting. The state website updates wait times regularly, so check before you leave home.
The actual process — submitting documents, taking your photo, paying the fee, and taking the vision test — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. If you need to take the written knowledge test, add another 20 to 30 minutes.
Costs and payment methods
A five-year driver's license costs $27.50 in Tennessee. If you're 65 or older, an eight-year license costs $27.50 as well. A knowledge test or driving skills test costs $15 each if you need to retake either one. The state accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most centers.
If you're renewing online (which is only available for certain renewals), the fee is the same, and you'll pay by credit or debit card during the online transaction. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see whether your renewal is may be able to access for online renewal before you attempt it.
Written knowledge test and what to study
If you're getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must pass a written knowledge test. The test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. It has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
The state provides a free study guide on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. You can read it as a PDF and study at home before your appointment. The guide covers everything on the test, so studying it thoroughly gives you a strong chance of passing on your first try.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most centers, but you'll pay the $15 test fee again. You're allowed to retake the test as many times as needed, but each attempt costs $15.
Renewing your Tennessee license
If your license is still valid and you're renewing before it expires, you may be able to renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your name hasn't changed, and you're not changing your address. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must renew in person at a driver services center.
In-person renewal is straightforward: bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. You'll get a new photo taken and receive your new license on the spot. You do not need to retake the knowledge test or vision test unless the staff member identifies a vision problem during the routine check.
Tennessee licenses expire on your birthday. A five-year license is valid for five years from the date of issue; an eight-year license is valid for eight years. You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires, so plan ahead if you have travel coming up.
What to do if you lose or damage your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any driver services center. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs $27.50 and is issued on the spot.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though it's not required to get a replacement. The state will cancel your old license number once you receive your replacement, so the old license cannot be used.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move within Tennessee, you must update your address on your driver's license. You can do this in person at any driver services center by bringing your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). There is no fee for an address change, and you'll receive an updated license on the spot.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must visit a driver services center in person. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. There is no fee for a name change, and you'll get a new license with your updated name when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license online?
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your name and address haven't changed, and you meet other conditions set by the state. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see if your renewal is may be able to access. If not, you must renew in person at a driver services center.
What if I fail the written knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day at most centers, but you'll pay the $15 test fee again. You can retake it as many times as needed. Study the free Tennessee driver's manual on the state website before your next attempt — it covers all test material.
How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?
A Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years if you're under 65, and eight years if you're 65 or older. Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to 90 days before it expires.
What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?
You must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to a driver services center. You'll need to pass the vision test and written knowledge test.
Do I need an appointment to get or renew my license?
Tennessee driver services centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments are required. However, you can check wait times on the state website before you go to find the best time to visit.