DMV Locations and Hours in Shelby County

Shelby County, Tennessee has one main Driver Services office operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue in Memphis and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

This is the only full-service location in the county where you can renew a license, take a written or road test, or register a vehicle in person. If you cannot reach the Poplar Avenue office during regular hours, you will need to plan your visit in advance or use online services where available.

Some services — like renewing a license or registration if you have no violations or changes — can be completed online through the Tennessee DMV website or by mail, which may save you a trip to the office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shelby County Driver Services office is at 1414 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • This is the only full-service DMV location in Shelby County for road tests, written exams, and in-person license or registration work.
  • Many renewals and registration updates can be completed online or by mail without visiting the office.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to your transaction to avoid extra trips.
  • The office closes on state holidays, so check the Tennessee DMV website before traveling during holiday weeks.

What You Can Do at the Poplar Avenue Office

The Poplar Avenue location handles all standard driver and vehicle services. You can explore for or renew a driver's license or ID card, take the written knowledge test, schedule or take a road test, and handle vehicle registration and title work. If you need a duplicate license, a name change on your license, or a corrected address, you do that here.

The office also processes commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and renewals, though you should call ahead at 901-465-8000 to confirm wait times for CDL services, as these often require longer appointments.

Documents to Bring

What you need depends on your specific transaction, but most visits require proof of identity and proof of residency. Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

For vehicle registration, bring the vehicle title or registration certificate, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale. For a road test, bring your learner's permit and proof of residency.

The Tennessee DMV website lists full document requirements by transaction type. Checking before you go prevents delays and extra visits.

Online and Mail Services Available

Tennessee allows many transactions without a visit to the office. You can renew a driver's license online if it is not expired or suspended, you have no address changes, and you have no violations or restrictions to update. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online if your vehicle has no liens, no title changes, and no inspection issues. Mail renewal is an option for both licenses and registrations if you prefer not to use the online system.

You cannot take a road test, explore for a new license, or handle title transfers online or by mail — those require an in-person visit to the Poplar Avenue office.

Wait Times and Planning Your Visit

The Poplar Avenue office serves all of Shelby County and sees high traffic, especially on Mondays, Fridays, and near month-end. If you need a road test or written exam, arrive early or call 901-465-8000 to ask about current wait times before you go.

The office does not take appointments for most services, so you arrive and take a number. Road tests may have a waiting list, and you might be asked to return on a different day if the examiner is fully booked. Bringing all required documents the first time is the single best way to avoid a second trip.

If you are taking a road test, plan for the entire visit to take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the line and the examiner's schedule.

Parking and Accessibility

The Poplar Avenue office has on-site parking available. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities, with accessible parking spaces near the entrance and accessible restrooms inside.

If you have questions about accessibility or need accommodations during your visit, call the office at 901-465-8000 before you arrive so staff can prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at the Poplar Avenue office?

Yes. Road tests are administered at the Poplar Avenue location. You must have a valid learner's permit, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. Call ahead to ask about wait times, as the examiner may be fully booked on busy days.

What if I need to renew my license but I cannot go during business hours?

If your license is not expired or suspended, you can renew online through the Tennessee DMV website at any time. If you cannot use the online system, mail renewal is available — contact the office at 901-465-8000 for a mail renewal form.

Is there a DMV office closer to me than Poplar Avenue?

The Poplar Avenue office is the only full-service DMV location in Shelby County. Some services like renewals can be done online or by mail, which may be faster than traveling to the office.

What should I do if I lose my place in line?

Take a new number from the dispenser when you arrive. If you step away from the waiting area, you may lose your turn. The office staff can tell you where you stand in the queue if you ask.

Can I register a vehicle online in Tennessee?

You can renew an existing registration online if there are no liens, title changes, or inspection issues. New registrations and title transfers must be done in person at the Poplar Avenue office.