Visiting the Tennessee DMV: appointments, what to bring and what to expect

Who handles licenses and vehicles in Tennessee, what you can do online, how Driver Services appointments and walk-ins work, and which documents and payment to bring to a Driver Services Center or county clerk.

Guide · Tennessee · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

In Tennessee, two state departments share the work of a "DMV". Driver licenses, permits and ID cards are issued by the Driver Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, at Driver Services Centers and at some partner county clerk offices. Vehicle titles, registration and plates are run by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, and you handle them at your local county clerk's office. This guide covers what you can do without going in, how to plan a visit, and what to bring.

Who handles what

• Driver Services Centers handle the full range of license, permit and ID transactions: first licenses, testing, new residents, REAL ID, renewals, duplicates and name or address changes. New residents must go to a full-service Driver Services Center.
• County Clerk partners and kiosks offer some driver license services. Their location entries list which services each one offers. The fee page says County Clerk partners charge an extra $4.00 administrative fee on top of the state fees.
• County clerk offices handle vehicle titles and registration. Revenue's title and registration contact page sends you there for all title and registration transactions, and for address changes on your vehicle records.

Driver Services Centers are closed on all state holidays, and some centers close on set days for examiner training. The Locations and Appointments page lists these closures. For offices near you, see the Tennessee DMV office list on this site.

Check whether you need to visit at all

Driver Services' e-Services site handles several tasks online:

• Renewing a license, if you are eligible. Driver Services says a new photo is required in person every other renewal cycle, which can make you ineligible for online renewal.
• Ordering a duplicate of a lost license, if you still have the DD number printed on the front of your license.
• Checking your license print status, if your card has not arrived in the mail.
• Taking the knowledge test online, for applicants aged 15 to 17, and taking practice tests.
• Starting an application and getting your documents pre-approved before a visit. Allow up to five business days for pre-approval. You still bring the originals.

For vehicles, you can renew your registration online at tncountyclerk.com, at a self-service kiosk, through the Auto Assistant phone app or by mail. See the Tennessee vehicle registration guide.

Appointments and walk-ins

Driver Services says appointments are available only at select Driver Services Centers, and the types of appointment vary by location. You can book these transactions:

• REAL ID
• Name or address change
• Issuing, renewing or replacing any type of license or permit
• Knowledge tests

To book, open the online ticketing system linked from the Locations and Appointments page and choose a Driver License Appointment. You need a valid email address and phone number. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you are late, the appointment may be cancelled and you will be served as a walk-in. To cancel or reschedule, use "My Appointments" in the same system.

Road tests have their own scheduler. If you are under 16 or from out of state, you cannot book a road test online. Driver Services encourages teen drivers to book: without an appointment, you may not be able to take the road test that day. The teen licensing page says walk-ins are welcome for all visits.

What to bring

Driver Services asks first-time applicants and new residents to bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

1. One proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, such as a state-issued birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card.
2. One proof of Social Security number. For a non-REAL ID license you may give the number verbally. For a REAL ID you must show a document with the full number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099 or a pay stub.
3. Two proofs of Tennessee residency, generally dated within the last four months. Examples are a utility bill, a bank statement, an unexpired insurance policy, a mortgage document, a Tennessee voter registration card, or a lease accompanied by a landlord letter.
4. Name change documents linking every name change back to your citizenship or legal presence document, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees or court orders.

Applicants under 18 also need a parent or legal guardian present to sign the minor/teenage affidavit, plus proof of school attendance. New residents surrender their out-of-state license. If it was issued by California, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada or West Virginia, also bring a Motor Vehicle Record from that state. The full lists are on the New Residents, Adult First-Time Drivers and REAL ID pages. See also REAL ID explained.

Paying

Driver Services accepts cash, check, money order, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards for driver licenses and IDs. Remember the extra $4.00 fee at County Clerk partners. For vehicle fees, ask your county clerk's office.

At the counter

Depending on the transaction, you will take a vision screening and possibly a knowledge test and road skills test. All new and returning residents take a vision screening. Anyone with a learner permit who comes for a road test must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older; otherwise the test cannot go ahead.

Driver Services mails the card to you, and you can check its print status online.

Getting help

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security lists (866) 903-7357. For vehicle title and registration questions, the Department of Revenue lists (888) 871-3171, or (615) 741-3101 in the Nashville area and from out of state, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. For license details, see the Tennessee driver license guide.