Where the Covington DMV is located

The Covington Driver Services office is in Tipton County, Tennessee, at 1170 Highway 51 North, Covington, TN 38019. This is the only full-service DMV location in Covington itself. If you cannot reach this office or need a second location, the Memphis Driver Services office is about 30 miles south and handles the same transactions.

The Covington office issues driver licenses, handles vehicle registration and title work, and processes address changes. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can shift seasonally or due to staffing.

There is no appointment system at this location. Service is first-come, first-served, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Covington DMV is at 1170 Highway 51 North and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You do not need an appointment; arrive early to avoid peak wait times, which tend to be heaviest on Friday afternoons.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to the specific transaction you need (title transfer, registration renewal, or address change).
  • If the Covington office is closed or too busy, the Memphis Driver Services office 30 miles south handles the same services.

What documents to bring for a driver license transaction

For a new driver license or renewal, bring your current valid ID (passport, military ID, or existing license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your current address.

If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to visit the office at all—Tennessee allows some renewals without an in-person visit. Call the Covington office at (901) 476-0595 to ask whether your renewal qualifies for remote processing before you make the trip.

What documents to bring for vehicle registration and title work

For vehicle registration, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, bring the title from your previous state, a bill of sale, and proof of a passing emissions test (if your vehicle is subject to testing in Tipton County).

For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If the vehicle has a lien, bring documentation from the lienholder showing they consent to the transfer. The office staff can tell you on the phone whether your specific situation requires additional paperwork before you arrive.

How to change your address at the Covington DMV

You can change your driver license address in person at the Covington office or online through the Tennessee DMV website without visiting. An in-person address change requires your current driver license and one form of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Online address changes are faster and require only your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can start an online change at the Tennessee DMV website and complete it in minutes. The change takes effect when ready for your driver license record, though your physical card will not reflect the new address until your next renewal.

Contact information and hours

Call the Covington Driver Services office at (901) 476-0595 with questions about hours, required documents, or whether you need to visit in person. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends.

The Tennessee DMV website (tn.gov/safety) has forms you can read and print before your visit, including the process for a driver license, vehicle registration forms, and title transfer paperwork. Downloading and filling these out at home saves time at the counter.

When to visit the Memphis office instead

The Memphis Driver Services office at 1060 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38111, handles all the same transactions as Covington and is open the same hours. If the Covington office has a long wait, is temporarily closed, or you are already in Memphis, this location is a valid alternative.

The Memphis office is larger and typically has more staff, so wait times can be shorter during peak hours, though you should still expect to wait. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before making the drive.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your proof of residency—the office needs to see the original document. Do not assume your out-of-state driver license is still valid in Tennessee after you move; you have 30 days to get a Tennessee license, and driving on an expired out-of-state license can result in a citation.

Do not bring only one form of ID. Tennessee requires two forms of proof of residency for most transactions, and a single utility bill or lease is not enough. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirement, call the office before you visit rather than making a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license without going to the DMV?

Tennessee allows some driver license renewals online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Call the Covington office at (901) 476-0595 to ask whether your renewal qualifies before you visit in person.

How long does a vehicle title transfer take?

Title transfers are usually processed the same day you submit the paperwork, though the physical title document may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can drive the vehicle on a receipt from the DMV while you wait for the official title.

What if I do not have a utility bill for proof of residency?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government check, or tax return dated within the last 60 days all count as proof of residency. You need two forms total, so bring two different documents from this list.

Is there parking at the Covington DMV?

Yes, there is a parking lot at the office. Arrive early in the morning or mid-week to find parking closer to the entrance, as spaces fill up during peak hours.

What if I need to register a vehicle with an out-of-state title?

Bring the original title from your previous state, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If your vehicle is subject to emissions testing in Tipton County, bring proof of a passing test. The office staff can confirm whether your vehicle requires emissions testing when you call.