What you need to bring to the DMV for a new license
Tennessee issues new driver licenses at any Driver Services Center run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You will need to bring six documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, a completed Form DL-44 (the process), proof of legal presence, and your current out-of-state license if you have one.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can read Form DL-44 from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or fill it out at the DMV.
Proof of legal presence means a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you do not have these documents, you cannot get a standard license — Tennessee offers a limited-purpose license instead, which you cannot use for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring six specific documents to a Driver Services Center, including proof of identity, Social Security number, Tennessee residency, and legal presence.
- The process form (DL-44) is free and available online or at the DMV, and you fill it out before your appointment or at the counter.
- The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Tennessee Driver Handbook available on the Department of Safety website.
- Vision screening and a photo are taken at the DMV, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The fee for a new license is $28.50 for an eight-year license, and payment is cash, check, or card at most locations.
The written test and what it covers
Before you receive your license, you must pass a written test at the DMV. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass.
The Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website, covers all the material on the test. Most people study it for a few days before their appointment. You can also take practice tests online through the Department of Safety website to see which topics need more review.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most Driver Services Centers, though some locations may require you to schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
Vision screening and the photo
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will test your vision using a machine that checks how well you can see at different distances. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you must wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving.
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed, and return to the DMV with that form. Some Driver Services Centers have eye doctors on-site or can refer you to one nearby.
Your photo is taken at the DMV and printed on your license. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for eight years. Hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup are not allowed in the photo.
How long it takes and when your license arrives
Your appointment at the DMV usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to photo. The written test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you pass the test and complete the vision screening, the DMV prints a temporary paper license you can use when ready.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provide at the DMV. It arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving until your plastic license arrives, so you can drive legally the day you pass your test.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you took your test. They can check the status and reissue it if needed.
The cost and payment methods
A new eight-year Tennessee driver license costs $28.50. This is the standard license for adults. If you are under 21, the license is also eight years but costs the same amount.
Most Driver Services Centers accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. A few locations accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. There are no additional fees for the written test, vision screening, or photo.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $17.50. If you need to renew a license that has expired, the fee is also $28.50 for a new eight-year license.
Scheduling your appointment
You can schedule an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling 1-844-824-8748. Online scheduling is faster — you select your preferred Driver Services Center, date, and time, and receive a confirmation number.
Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. During busy times (lunch hours, Fridays, and the first week of the month), walk-in waits can be 1 to 2 hours. Scheduling an appointment online guarantees your spot and usually reduces your wait time to under 30 minutes.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so online or by phone up to 24 hours before your appointment. Canceling less than 24 hours before forfeits your appointment, and you will need to schedule a new one.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at most Driver Services Centers. There is no fee for retaking the test, and you do not lose your appointment slot.
Between attempts, ask the DMV staff which topics you missed most. Review those sections in the Tennessee Driver Handbook before your second try. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the weak areas.
If you fail three times, some Driver Services Centers require you to wait a set period before scheduling another appointment. Call the center where you took your test to find out their specific policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my out-of-state license while I wait for my Tennessee license?
No. Once you pass your test and receive your temporary paper license, you must use that to drive in Tennessee. Your out-of-state license is no longer valid in Tennessee after you become a resident. You can use your out-of-state license for other identification purposes, but not for driving.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military ID, naturalization papers, or a permanent resident card as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Driver Services Center before your appointment — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.
Do I need to take a driving test, or just the written test?
Tennessee requires only the written test for a new license. There is no behind-the-wheel driving test. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get your license.
What if I fail the vision screening?
You cannot get your license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form (VS-11) signed, and return to the DMV with it. Some Driver Services Centers have eye doctors available, or they can refer you to one nearby. The eye exam is not free and is paid to the eye doctor, not the DMV.
Can I change my name on my license at the same time?
Yes. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change along with your other documents. The DMV will print your new name on your license at no extra cost.