How to Reach and Use Knox County DMV Services

What Knox County DMV handles and how to contact them

Knox County DMV is part of Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security. They issue driver licenses, handle vehicle registration and title work, and process address changes for both. The office is located in Knoxville and serves Knox County residents. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or handle some transactions online through the Tennessee DMV website.

The main Knox County DMV office is at 3055 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. Phone lines are open during business hours, though wait times can be long during peak periods. Many routine transactions do not require a visit — you can renew a license online if you meet the requirements, and you can change your address without going to the office.

Key Takeaways

Knox County DMV handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and address changes for Knox County residents in Tennessee.
The main office is at 3055 Tazewell Pike in Knoxville, and you can also reach them by phone during business hours or use online services for some transactions.
Address changes for your driver license and vehicle registration are separate processes and may require different documents.
Renewal and address change transactions often do not require an in-person visit if you meet the state's online requirements.
Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction when you visit in person.

Driver license services at Knox County DMV

Knox County DMV issues new driver licenses, handles renewals, and processes address changes on your license. If you are renewing your license and your address has not changed, you can often renew online through the Tennessee DMV website without visiting the office. Renewals by mail are also an option in some cases.

If you need a new license — because yours was lost, stolen, or expired more than a year ago — you will need to visit the office in person. Bring your current ID if you have one, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address and dated within the last 60 days.

Changing your address on your driver license requires either an online transaction through the Tennessee DMV website or an in-person visit. If you change your address online, you do not need to visit Knox County DMV. If you visit in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

Vehicle registration and title transactions

Knox County DMV processes vehicle registration renewals, new registrations, and title work. You can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle information has not changed and your registration is not expired.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, you will need the title or a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of your residency. New registrations typically require an in-person visit or submission by mail. Changing your address on your vehicle registration is a separate transaction from changing your driver license address — you must do both if you have moved.

Title work includes transfers when you buy or sell a vehicle, corrections to an existing title, and duplicate titles if yours is lost or damaged. Most title transactions require an in-person visit or submission by mail with the required documents. Knox County DMV staff can tell you which documents you need for your specific situation when you call or visit.

How to change your address with Knox County DMV

Changing your address involves two separate steps if you drive and own a vehicle: updating your driver license and updating your vehicle registration. You can do these at different times, but both should be updated within a reasonable period after you move.

For your driver license, go online to the Tennessee DMV website and select the address change option, or visit Knox County DMV in person with your current license and proof of your new address. For your vehicle registration, you can renew online and update your address at the same time, or visit the office in person. Some people handle both transactions in one visit to the office.

Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, ask Knox County DMV what alternatives they accept.

What to bring when you visit Knox County DMV in person

Bring your current ID — your driver license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a current ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth. Bring proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. Bring proof of your current address, dated within the last 60 days.

For vehicle transactions, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the title or bill of sale if you are registering a new vehicle or transferring ownership. If you are changing your address on your registration, bring your current registration and proof of your new address. If you are unsure what documents you need for your specific transaction, call Knox County DMV before you visit.

Arrive early if possible — the office can have long wait times, especially on Fridays and mid-month. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies. Do not bring children unless necessary, as the office can be crowded and wait times are unpredictable.

Online and mail options to avoid an office visit

The Tennessee DMV website allows you to renew your driver license, change your address on your license, and renew your vehicle registration without visiting Knox County DMV. You will need your current license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and registration number. Online transactions are processed within a few business days, and your new license or registration will be mailed to you.

Mail-in options are available for some transactions. You can mail renewal applications with the required documents to Knox County DMV. Processing times for mail submissions are typically longer than online transactions — usually one to two weeks. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your documents returned to you.

Not all transactions can be handled online or by mail. New licenses, new vehicle registrations, title transfers, and duplicate titles usually require an in-person visit or submission by mail with original documents. Call Knox County DMV to confirm whether your specific transaction can be done online or by mail before you make a trip to the office.

Hours, location, and contact information for Knox County DMV

Knox County DMV is located at 3055 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but hours may vary by day or season. Call ahead to confirm current hours before you visit, as hours can change without notice.

You can reach Knox County DMV by phone during business hours. The phone number for Knox County DMV is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. When you call, have your license number or vehicle identification number ready, and be prepared to wait on hold during busy times.

The Tennessee DMV website (tn.gov/safety) has additional information about services, forms, and requirements. You can also find links to online renewal and address change services there. If you cannot reach Knox County DMV by phone, visiting the office in person is often faster than repeated phone attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online without visiting Knox County DMV?

Yes, you can change your driver license address online through the Tennessee DMV website. Vehicle registration address changes can also be done online when you renew your registration. Both transactions are processed within a few business days, and your updated documents will be mailed to you.

What happens if I move and do not update my address with Knox County DMV?

Your license and registration remain valid at your old address. However, you are required by Tennessee law to update your address within a certain timeframe after moving. Driving with an outdated address can result in a citation. Mail from the DMV, courts, or law enforcement may not reach you if your address is wrong.

How long does it take to get a new driver license from Knox County DMV?

If you explore in person, you typically receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. Online renewals and address changes are processed within a few business days. Mail-in applications take longer, usually one to two weeks or more depending on processing volume.

Do I need an appointment to visit Knox County DMV?

Knox County DMV typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though appointment options may be available for certain transactions. Check the Tennessee DMV website or call Knox County DMV to see if appointments are offered for your specific transaction. Arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.

What if I lost my vehicle title or driver license?

You can request a duplicate title or license from Knox County DMV. For a duplicate license, visit in person or explore online if your license is not expired. For a duplicate title, you will need to visit the office in person or submit an process by mail with proof of ownership and identification. Bring your current ID and proof of residency.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.