What you need to bring to the Tennessee DMV
Tennessee issues a new driver's license through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. You'll visit a local Driver Services office in person — there's no online route for a first-time license. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN), proof of your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and a document proving your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or certified court order).
You'll also need to bring proof of lawful presence in the United States. This can be your U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa paired with your I-94 arrival/departure record. If you don't have one of these, Tennessee also accepts a combination of documents — the DMV website lists all acceptable combinations under "REAL ID" requirements.
Bring your Social Security card itself, not a photocopy. Tennessee does not accept photocopies of Social Security cards, even if they're certified. If you've lost your card, you'll need to get a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you can get your driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of legal name and birth date.
- Tennessee requires proof of lawful presence in the U.S., which can be a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or visa with I-94 documentation.
- You'll take a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive your license.
- A new driver's license costs $27.50 and is valid for five years; you can renew by mail after your first license expires.
The written test and vision screening
Once you've submitted your documents, you'll take a written knowledge test covering Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DMV provides a study guide on its website, and many people study it for a few days before their appointment.
After the written test, you'll have your vision screened at the DMV office. This is a basic check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a medical evaluation from an eye doctor before you can proceed.
The road test and what happens next
If you pass the written test and vision screening, you'll schedule a road test with a Tennessee examiner. The road test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You'll drive in local traffic, not on highways. You need to bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start.
You can take the road test in the same visit as your written test if you pass the written portion, or you can schedule it for a later date. Many people schedule it for a different day to have time to practice driving. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you'll need to pay the road test fee again.
Once you pass the road test, you'll receive your Tennessee driver's license on the spot. Your license will be valid for five years from the date it's issued. The cost for a new driver's license is $27.50, paid at the DMV office.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office and scheduling
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office takes appointments or walk-ins, because wait times vary widely.
Appointments can usually be scheduled two to four weeks in advance. If you need a license quickly, call your local office to ask about cancellations or same-day availability. Some offices have more availability than others, particularly in rural counties.
Restrictions for drivers under 18
If you're under 18, Tennessee issues a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which comes with restrictions. You'll first get a learner's permit, which requires a parent or guardian to sign your process. With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
After holding your learner's permit for at least 180 days and reaching age 16, you can take your road test for a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to drive alone, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies). At age 18, you can renew to a full, unrestricted license.
What to do if you have a name change or immigration status
If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the certified document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Tennessee will issue your license under your current legal name.
If you're not a U.S. citizen but have lawful presence status (such as a visa or work authorization), you can get a driver's license. You'll need to bring your visa, I-94 card, employment authorization document, or other proof of status. Your license will be valid only as long as your immigration status remains valid — if your visa expires, your license will expire on the same date.
Renewing your license after it expires
Your first Tennessee driver's license is valid for five years. When it's time to renew, you can renew by mail if you haven't had any changes to your name, address, or vision status. Mail renewal costs $27.50 and takes about two weeks. You'll receive a renewal form in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.
If you've moved, changed your name, or had changes to your medical status, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver Services office. In-person renewal also costs $27.50 and takes about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tennessee driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Tennessee requires a Social Security card or an official document showing your SSN as part of the process. If you don't have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Tennessee driver's license. You would need to explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration first.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test. There's no waiting period between attempts, but you'll pay the road test fee each time you take it. The fee varies by county but is typically between $10 and $20. Schedule your next attempt at the DMV office or online.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
If you're moving to Tennessee and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it without taking the written test. You'll still need to pass a vision screening and pay the transfer fee. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security card to the Driver Services office.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver's license from start to finish?
The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your appointment and how many attempts you need. From your first visit to the DMV to receiving your license, the process typically takes two to six weeks if you pass all tests on your first try. If you need to retake the road test or written test, add one to two weeks for each additional attempt.
Can I use my Tennessee driver's license to fly on an airplane?
Yes, if your license is REAL ID-compliant. Tennessee driver's licenses issued after December 1, 2014 are REAL ID-compliant by default. If your license was issued before that date, you can renew it to get a REAL ID-compliant version. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to fly domestically in the United States.