How To Schedule An Appointment At DMV Tennessee (TN)

Booking a “DMV” appointment in Tennessee can be frustrating if you don’t know the state’s system. Are you trying to get a new license, or are you trying to register your car? The answer is critical, because they are in two different buildings.

1. State Driver Services Centers (DOS): For your person. Go here for your Driver’s License, REAL ID, Permit Test, and Road Test. These are run by the TN Department of Safety.
2. County Clerk’s Office: For your car. Go here for your Vehicle Title, Vehicle Registration, and License Plates. This is run by your local county.

This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office.

How to Schedule a DRIVER’S LICENSE Appointment (State Office)

This is the official state-run appointment system for all Driver Services Centers. An appointment is mandatory for all in-person services.

Use this process for:

• First-time Learner’s Permit (Written Test)
• Driver’s License Road Test (Skills Test)
• Transferring Your Out-of-State License
• Getting your first REAL ID
• Hardship license
• In-person License Renewal (if you need a new photo)

How To Schedule Online Appointment At DMV Tennessee

1. Visit the official TN Driver Services Appointment Portal: [https://tndscappt.cxmflow.com/]
2. Click “Schedule an Appointment.”
3. Choose the exact service you need. The options are very specific:
   • For a Permit Test: Select “Knowledge Test.”
   • For a Road Test: Select “Skills Test.”
   • For a New License / Out-of-State Transfer: Select “New Resident / New License or ID.”
   • For a Renewal: Select “Renewal of License or ID.”
   • For a REAL ID: Select “REAL ID.”
4. Select your preferred office location from the map or list.
5. Choose an available date and time slot. (Note: You may need to book several weeks in advance).
6. Enter your personal details (Name, Email, Phone) and click “Finish.”
7. You will receive a confirmation email. Bring this with you to your appointment.

How to Get VEHICLE REGISTRATION & PLATES (County Clerk)

You CANNOT use the state appointment system for this. All vehicle titles, registrations, and license plates are handled by your local County Clerk’s office.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Find Your Office: You must find your specific county’s website. Search Google for “[Your County Name] County Clerk” (e.g., “Davidson County Clerk” or “Shelby County Clerk”).
2. Check Their Process: Look for “Motor Vehicle” or “Registration” on their website. Each county is different:
   • Some counties require an appointment using their own separate booking system.
   • Other counties (especially in rural areas) may still accept walk-ins.
3. Gather Your Documents: For a new registration (private sale or new resident), you will typically need:
   • The Vehicle Title (signed over to you).
   • Proof of Tennessee Auto Insurance.
   • Proof of Residency.
   • (If new resident) Your out-of-state registration.
   • (In some counties) Proof of a passed Emissions Test (e.g., in Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson counties).

Tennessee “New Resident” Checklist (The Correct Order)

If you are new to Tennessee, you must visit BOTH offices. Follow these steps in order.

1. First, Go to the County Clerk’s Office.
   • Goal: To get your vehicle title transferred and get your new Tennessee license plates.
   • What to Bring: Your out-of-state title, out-of-state registration, proof of TN insurance, and proof of residency.
2. Second, Go to the State Driver Services Center.
   • Goal: To surrender your old license and get your new TN REAL ID driver’s license.
   • How: Book an appointment using the steps in Section 1 (select “New Resident / New License or ID”).
   • What to Bring: Your current out-of-state license, your new TN registration (from Step 1), and all your REAL ID documents (see below).

What Are The Required Documents for Your License Appointment (REAL ID)

When you visit the State Driver Services Center, you must bring the official REAL ID “Gold Star” documents.

• One (1) Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence:
  • U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate
  • Permanent Resident Card or other immigration documents
• One (1) Proof of Social Security Number:
  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 or 1099 (must show full SSN)
• Two (2) Proofs of Tennessee Residency (from different sources):
  • These must show your name and TN address.
  • Examples: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, vehicle registration from your County Clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)