What You'll Actually Submit to Get a Tennessee License

Tennessee uses a single form called the process for Tennessee Driver License or Identification Card (form DL-44). You complete it, bring it in person to a Driver Services office with your documents, and hand it to a clerk. There is no online process for a first-time license — you must appear in person, and the form itself is straightforward if you know what information goes where.

The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and basic physical descriptors. It also asks whether you want to register as an organ donor and whether you consent to sharing your information with law enforcement. Most sections are self-explanatory; the confusion usually comes from which documents to bring and what happens after you hand the form in.

Key Takeaways

  • You fill out form DL-44 in person at a Driver Services office; there is no online or mail-in option for a first-time license.
  • The form requires your Social Security number, current address, and date of birth, plus answers to questions about organ donation and law enforcement data sharing.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number before the clerk will process your form.
  • The office will take your photo and fingerprints on the same visit, and you will pay the license fee at that time.
  • Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you pass the written and vision tests during your visit.

Where to Get the Form and What It Looks Like

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security publishes form DL-44 on its website. You can read and print it before you go, or you can pick one up at any Driver Services office when you arrive. Most people print it at home and fill it out beforehand, which speeds up the process.

The form is one page, front and back. The front side has spaces for your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The back side has checkboxes for organ donation, law enforcement data sharing, and a section where you declare that the information you provided is true. You sign and date the back.

You do not need to fill in every blank — some sections are for office use only. The clerk will tell you if you missed something required. If you make a mistake, ask for a new form rather than crossing out and writing over; the office prefers clean copies.

Information You Need to Bring to Fill It Out

Before you go to the office, gather your Social Security number, your current street address, and your date of birth. Have these written down or in your phone so you do not have to guess or leave blanks. If you have moved recently, use your current address, not a previous one.

You will also need to know your height, eye color, and whether you wear corrective lenses. These go on the form and are used for your license photo. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you — you will take your photo in whatever you normally wear.

If you have a middle name, include it on the form. If you go by a nickname or shortened version of your name, use your legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. The name on your license must match the name on your identity documents.

The Documents You Must Bring to the Office

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot complete your process without all three, so do not go to the office without them.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a school or work ID issued by a government agency. A passport is the easiest because it covers identity and citizenship in one document. A birth certificate must be certified (raised seal) and must show your name and date of birth clearly.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there, plus the bill.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a W-2 form, tax return, or pay stub showing your full number. If you have lost your Social Security card, a W-2 from your employer is the fastest replacement.

How to Fill Out Each Section of Form DL-44

Start at the top with your legal name — first, middle, and last, exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions. If you have changed your name, use your current legal name.

Next is your date of birth in month/day/year format. Then your current street address — the place where you actually live, not a mailing address or a relative's house. If you live in an apartment, include the unit number. City, state, and ZIP code follow.

Your Social Security number goes in the space provided. Double-check this — errors here can delay your license or cause problems later. Your height and eye color are straightforward. For eye color, use the standard options: blue, brown, green, hazel, or black. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, check that box.

The back of the form has two main checkboxes. One asks if you want to be an organ donor — this is optional and does not affect your license. The other asks if you consent to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies accessing your driver record. Most people check yes, but you can decline if you prefer. Sign and date the form at the bottom.

What Happens When You Hand in Your Form at the Driver Services Office

When you arrive at the office with your completed form and documents, a clerk will review everything. They will check that your documents are valid, that your form is filled out completely, and that your information matches across all your papers. If something is missing or does not match, they will tell you what to fix before they can proceed.

Once the clerk accepts your form, you will take a written test covering Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. This is a multiple-choice test on a computer or paper, depending on the office. You must pass this test to move forward. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. The office has a machine that checks your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for this test. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a vision correction from an eye doctor before you can get your license.

Next, the office will take your photo and your fingerprints. Your photo will appear on your license, so dress as you normally would. The fingerprints are stored in the state system. You will also pay the license fee at this time — the cost varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.

When Your License Arrives and What to Do If It Does Not

Your physical license card is mailed to the address you provided on your form. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper receipt at the office that you can use as proof of your license until the card arrives.

If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Tennessee Driver Services office where you applied. Have your receipt number ready. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem with the mail.

Once your license arrives, check that all the information is correct — your name, address, date of birth, and license number. If something is wrong, return to the office with your license and your receipt. Corrections are usually made on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online and bring it in, or do I have to fill it out at the office?

You can print the form and fill it out at home before you go, which saves time. However, you must still appear in person at the office to submit it, take your photo, and pass your tests. There is no way to complete a first-time license process by mail or online.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my name now?

Use your current legal name on the form. Bring both your birth certificate and any court order or marriage certificate that shows the name change. The office will keep copies of these documents with your process.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you are transferring a valid out-of-state license, you may not have to take the written test, though you will still take a vision test and have your photo taken. Bring your out-of-state license with you. Rules vary slightly, so call your local Driver Services office ahead of time to confirm what you need.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices, or you can come back another day. There is usually a small fee for each retake. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can get your license.

Can someone else pick up my license for me if I cannot be there when it arrives?

Your license is mailed to the address on your form, so you do not have to pick it up in person. If you move before it arrives, contact Driver Services to update your address. If your mail is delayed, the office can reissue your license.