Where the Kingsport DMV is located and what it handles
The Tennessee Department of Revenue's driver license office in Kingsport is located at 1410 East Stone Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660. This office issues and renews driver licenses, issues identification cards, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes vehicle registration transactions. It does not handle title work — that goes through your county clerk's office.
Kingsport is in Sullivan County, and the Sullivan County Clerk's office (located separately downtown) handles vehicle titles, registration transfers, and property-related documents. If you need a title, you will need to visit the clerk's office, not the driver license office on East Stone Drive.
The driver license office serves residents across the northern part of the state and can get busy during lunch hours and on Fridays. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
Key Takeaways
- The Kingsport driver license office is at 1410 East Stone Drive and handles driver licenses, ID cards, and license reinstatements, but not vehicle titles.
- Vehicle titles and registration transfers are handled by the Sullivan County Clerk's office downtown, a separate location with different hours.
- You can walk in without an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
- Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction before you go.
Hours, phone number, and how to prepare before you visit
The Kingsport driver license office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The office phone number is (423) 246-7346. Staff can tell you over the phone whether you need an appointment, what documents to bring, and how long the current wait is.
Before you visit, gather your documents. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. For a new license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. For a license reinstatement after suspension, bring your current ID and any court documents or payment receipts related to the suspension.
If you are unsure what you need for your specific transaction, call the office before you go. This saves a trip back home for a missing document.
What to bring for common transactions
Tennessee's driver license office requires different documents depending on what you are doing. The state has specific rules about what counts as proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and documents from one category do not substitute for another.
| Transaction | Documents You Need |
|---|---|
| Renew your driver license | Current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), Social Security card or tax return |
| Get a new driver license (first time or after loss) | Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, proof of Social Security number |
| Reinstate a suspended license | Current ID, court documents or payment receipts showing the suspension reason has been resolved, reinstatement fee |
| Get a Tennessee ID card (non-driver) | Proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number |
| Update your address on your license | Current license, proof of new residency (utility bill or lease at new address) |
If your documents are from outside the United States or are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation certified by a translator. The office staff can tell you whether your specific documents will work — call ahead if you are uncertain.
Fees and payment methods accepted
Driver license and ID card fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver license renewal costs less than a new license. Reinstatement fees depend on the reason for suspension and are set by the court or the state. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
Call the office at (423) 246-7346 to ask the exact fee for your transaction before you visit. Fees can change, and knowing the amount ahead of time means you can bring the right payment method and avoid a second trip.
Vehicle title and registration — where to go instead
The Sullivan County Clerk's office handles vehicle titles, registration transfers, and duplicate registration documents. This is a separate office from the driver license location. The clerk's office is located in the Sullivan County Courthouse downtown in Kingsport.
For vehicle title work, you will need the vehicle's current title (or an affidavit if the title is lost), proof of ownership, and proof of residency. For registration transfers, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the title. Call the clerk's office at (423) 323-6411 to confirm their hours and what documents you need for your specific transaction.
Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and third-party services
Tennessee residents sometimes receive emails or letters claiming to be from the DMV and asking them to renew their license online or pay a fee to avoid suspension. These are scams. The Tennessee Department of Revenue does not send unsolicited renewal notices by email, and it does not charge fees to prevent suspension through email links.
If you receive an email or letter claiming to be from the DMV, do not click any links or provide personal information. Go directly to the official Tennessee Department of Revenue website or call the Kingsport office at (423) 246-7346 to verify whether your license actually needs renewal.
Third-party websites and services that offer to renew your license "for you" charge extra fees on top of the state fee and are not necessary. You can renew in person at the Kingsport office, by mail (if you are renewing only), or through the official Tennessee Department of Revenue website. Going directly to the state office or website costs less and is faster.
What to expect when you arrive and how long it takes
When you arrive at the Kingsport driver license office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in a seating area until your number is called. The wait time depends on how busy the office is — early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than lunch time or Friday afternoons.
Once you are called, a staff member will review your documents, take your photo (for a new license or renewal), and process your transaction. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if your documents are in order. If documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what you need to bring back.
Your new license or ID is usually issued the same day, though in some cases it may be mailed to you within a week. Ask the staff member before you leave whether you will receive it on-site or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going in person?
Tennessee allows mail renewal for driver license renewals only, and only if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. You can also renew online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website if you meet the same requirements. Call the Kingsport office at (423) 246-7346 to ask whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you visit in person.
What if I lost my driver license and need a replacement?
Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the Kingsport office. You will get a new license the same day. If you also need to report the lost license to prevent fraud, ask the staff member — they can note it in the system.
How do I reinstate a suspended license?
First, contact the court or agency that suspended your license to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension — this might be paying a fine, completing a program, or providing proof of insurance. Once that is resolved, bring your current ID and proof of resolution to the Kingsport office. Staff will process the reinstatement and collect any reinstatement fee.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Kingsport office accepts walk-ins, so you do not need an appointment. However, you can call ahead at (423) 246-7346 to ask about current wait times and confirm your documents are correct before you go.
Where do I go for vehicle title and registration work?
Vehicle titles and registration are handled by the Sullivan County Clerk's office in the courthouse downtown, not by the driver license office. Call the clerk at (423) 323-6411 to confirm their hours and what documents you need for your specific transaction.