Tennessee DMV Appointments

If you want to renew your license, register your car, or obtain any kind of documentation related to your vehicle, you likely need to make an appointment at the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Although many people dread going to the DMV, the process is relatively easy—and can be made much easier by making your appointment in advance.

You can easily schedule your Tennessee DMV appointment by following the steps outlined in this guide.

DMV Appointment Types

The DMV performs many different services for people across the state.

Some services require in-person appointments, while others do not. You can use the Tennesse DMV’s E-Services function for the following:

  • Application downloads
  • Duplicate requests
  • Payments and billing
  • Reinstating documents
  • Making appointments

If you need to take a driver’s license knowledge test, you can also do this online under the supervision of a proctor.

Some services require you to make in-person appointments.

If you require any additional services, like a TN road test appointment, you’ll need to go into the DMV in person, and you might benefit from making an appointment ahead of time. Some other services you will need to make a trip in-person are:

How to Make a Tennessee DMV Appointment

Some DMV services still require you to go into the office in person.

To avoid dense crowds, you can plan and research the least busy times on the DMV website.

Making a TN DMV appointment is relatively easy, but you should remember to do it early to secure the date and time you want.

You can schedule your appointment in person at the DMV, or you can do so by calling your local DMV office and requesting an appointment.

The easiest way to request an appointment, however, is online.

If you’re unsure whether you need to go into the DMV in person—or you know you’ll need a live appointment—follow the steps below to schedule your services.

Step One: Head to E-Services

The Tennessee DMV uses an e-service scheduler to make appointments.

Head to the official government DMV website (check that it ends in .gov to ensure legitimacy) and click on the service you need.

Step Two: Select Your Service

You can select from Tennessee driver’s test appointments, non-commercial licensing appointments, commercial driving appointments, driver services, motorcycle licenses, and more.

Click on the service you need and begin the registration process.

Step Three: Fill in Your Personal Information

Once you’ve selected the service you need, you’ll have to fill in your personal information, such as your name, birthday, and social security number.

Step Four: Fill in Your Contact Information

You must enter your contact information, phone number, and personal address. Remember this is confidential information; the DMV will protect your private data.

Step Five: Select the Location, Date, and Time

Once you’ve completed the information section, you can select your DMV location. There are likely several locations in your area, so if you don’t see a date and time that is convenient for you, consider looking elsewhere.

Select your date and time and finalize your appointment. Remember to save your confirmation number and the date and time so you don’t miss it!

How to Cancel or Reschedule an Appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, don’t worry! The process is easy. You can log in to your account if you have one or check the confirmation email you received.

Then, you’ll follow the steps below:

  1. Click “My Appointments.”
  2. Enter the phone number you signed up with.
  3. Select “cancel.”
  4. Select “confirm.”
  5. If you want to reschedule, select a new appointment date and time.

When To Go to a Tennessee DMV Appointment

The best time to visit the Tennessee DMV is whenever you can. The DMV is open during regular business hours, so it can be difficult for working folks to make it there.

If you need a license or registration within a specific time frame, prioritize that window to ensure you stay within legal guidelines.

The following include some of the best tips for visiting the Tennessee DMV:

  1. Mornings are generally less busy than afternoons—and it’s less likely that you won’t get seen because the office is closing.
  2. The middle of the week has shorter wait times than the beginning or end.
  3. Finish your paperwork before you go so you don’t have to wait as long.
  4. Remember that DMV employees take lunch breaks around noon or one in the afternoon, so you must schedule accordingly.

Necessary Documentation for the Tennessee DMV

You must bring the proper documentation, depending on which service you need at the DMV.

Most services require you to have two valid forms of ID. For a new driver’s license, for example, you’ll need the following:

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or Temporary Legal Presence Documents
  • Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency (Bills, Lease, etc.)
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Current State License/ID with proof of name change if needed.
  • A Completed Application for a Tennessee Driver’s License.

Learn More About Tennessee DMV Appointments

To learn more about appointments you can make at the Tennessee DMV, click on any of the following links.

Tennessee Driver’s License Services

Commercial Driver Services

Tennessee Motorcycle Licenses

Before You Go

The Tennessee DMV can seem intimidating, but you should be fine if you prepare by scheduling your appointment and completing your documentation.

DMV appointments in TN have become much smoother and more efficient over the last decade, and you can expect a professional atmosphere when you visit the office.

Remember to gather all required documentation early so you don’t forget it on the day of your appointment, and fill out any applications you need to complete your services successfully.

You can contact your local DMV with any questions or peruse other articles on the subject to clear up any misconceptions.