Where to Find the DMV in Johnson City
Johnson City has one full-service Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security driver license office located at 3027 West Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37604. This office handles driver license renewals, replacements, testing, and address changes. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
This is the only location in Johnson City proper that issues driver licenses. If you need vehicle registration or title services, you will need to visit the Washington County Clerk's office instead, which handles those transactions separately from driver licensing.
The office does not accept walk-ins for road tests. You must schedule a driving test appointment in advance through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling the Johnson City office directly at (423) 434-6054. Road test wait times vary by season, with longer delays typically occurring in spring and early summer.
Key Takeaways
- The Johnson City driver license office is at 3027 West Market Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- You must schedule a driving test appointment ahead of time; the office does not accept walk-in road test requests.
- Vehicle registration and title work is handled by the Washington County Clerk's office, not the driver license office.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any required documents for your specific transaction before you visit.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring the same residency proof showing your new address.
For a first-time driver license or a replacement license, requirements are more extensive. You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents for legal presence include a passport, birth certificate, or visa.
If you are taking a road test, bring your current learner permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be testing in, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and pass a basic safety inspection before the examiner will begin your test.
How to Schedule a Driving Test Appointment
To schedule a road test, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website at tn.gov/safety and select the appointment scheduling option. You can also call the Johnson City office directly at (423) 434-6054 during business hours. When you call, have your learner permit number ready.
The scheduling system will show you available dates and times. Road test appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially during spring and summer months. If no appointments are available when you check, try again in a few days, as cancellations do occur.
You must arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled test. Bring your learner permit, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid photo ID. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and you will need to reschedule.
Driver License Renewal and Address Changes
Tennessee driver licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew your license in person at the Johnson City office, or you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see if you meet the requirements for mail renewal.
If you have moved and need to update your address, you can do this at the same time as a renewal or as a separate transaction. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) along with your current license. Address changes are processed the same day you visit.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must visit the office in person. You may also be required to retake the written test or road test depending on how long it has been expired.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your driver license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit the Johnson City office with your Social Security proof, residency proof, and a photo ID. You do not need to retake any tests. The replacement license is issued the same day, though you may wait 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement. Some people do this for their own records in case the stolen license is used fraudulently.
The cost of a replacement license is the same as a renewal. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
Vehicle Registration and Title Services
The Johnson City driver license office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or vehicle-related transactions. Those services are provided by the Washington County Clerk's office, located at 107 Court Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659 (the county seat). The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You will need your vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership, and proof of residency to register a vehicle or transfer a title. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale as well.
Vehicle registration renewal notices are mailed to your address on file. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at the clerk's office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your information has not changed.
Hours, Contact Information, and Parking
The Johnson City driver license office is located at 3027 West Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37604. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends, state holidays, and during lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (though staff may still be available during lunch).
The phone number is (423) 434-6054. Call during business hours if you have questions about what documents to bring or to schedule a road test. Wait times on the phone can be long during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon), so consider calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. The office is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you need information, ask staff when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail from Johnson City?
You may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no violations or suspensions. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to check your may be able to access. Online renewal is not available in Tennessee; mail renewal is the only remote option.
How long does a road test appointment take?
A road test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You should plan to be at the office for 45 minutes to an hour total, including check-in and waiting time. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for paperwork.
What if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again. The examiner will tell you what you need to practice before your next attempt.
Do I need an appointment for a license renewal or address change?
No. Renewals and address changes are walk-in transactions. However, wait times vary. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.
What should I do if the office is closed when I need to renew my license?
If your license is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail. If it is already expired, you will need to wait until the office reopens. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for any temporary closures or holiday schedules.