History of DMV

Tennessee endorsed the driver license law in 1937; it was the 32nd state to do so. During that year 521,571 licenses were obtained―currently, there are more than four million. Eight years prior to the Tennessee driver's license, in 1929, the Tennessee Highway Patrol branched out from the Tennessee State Police, and two years later in 1939, the Department of Safety (DOS) was born.

Department of Safety Administration

The DOS administration consists of Commissioner David Mitchell, Tennessee Highway Patrol's Col. Mike Walker, and Tennessee Highway Patrol's Lt. Col. Albert Strawther.

Contact information can be found on Tennessee's Administration page.

Department of Safety Responsibilities

There are more than 87,000 miles of roads in Tennessee, and along with helping law enforcement officers to make sure those roads are safe, the DOS is also responsible for driver licenses, investigations, safety courses, and much more.

Locations and Services

The DOS can be found/contacted at:

• Tennessee Department of Safety

• 1150 Foster Ave.

• Nashville, TN 37249

• (615)741-3954

• email.safety@state.tn.us

Additional offices include:

• Drivers License Issuance and additional locations

• Financial Responsibility and additional locations

• Title and Registration

• Handguns

• Human Resources

Not all driver license stations offer the same services. For example, you can only take the skills test for your commercial driver's license (CDL) at eight particular stations, and there are two express stations where you can't take exams, handle ID applications, or get handgun carry permits.

For quicker, easier reference, the DOS offers two online tables. The first lists all driver license stations and county clerk offices and what services each one provides, and the second lists county clerk offices that offer express and renewal services.

Complete information about locations, services, and contact information can be found on Tennessee's Driver License Station page.

Technology

Don't feel like heading out to those driver license stations? Thanks to rapid advances in technology, you can now take care of almost all of your basic driver licensing needs online. This includes scheduling a road test, renewing your license, ordering a duplicate license, and more.

Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue (DOR) handles all motor vehicle registration and titling services, including license plates and motor carrier services.

Your local county clerk is where you'll go to register and title your vehicles. You can reach the main headquarters for answers to registration-related questions at:

• Tennessee Department of Revenue

• Vehicle Services Section

• Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division

• 44 Vantage Way, Suite 160

• Nashville, TN 37243-8050

• (888) 871-3171 or (615) 741-3101

• Email to: Email.T&R@state.tn.us

Other Tennessee Motorist Resources

• Official Tennessee Governor Site

• Tennessee Department of Transportation

• Governor's Highway Safety Office

• Tennessee Department of Safety Rules