The Oakland DMV is part of Tennessee's regional driver services network
Oakland, Tennessee does not have its own dedicated DMV office. Instead, residents in Oakland and the surrounding area use the Fayette County Driver Services office, located in Somerville, which is the county seat. This office handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title services, and address changes for everyone in Fayette County, including Oakland.
Tennessee's DMV services are split across regional offices rather than centralized in one location. Each county has at least one driver services center, and some larger counties have multiple locations. If you live in Oakland, you will go to Fayette County's office for any transaction that requires an in-person visit.
For transactions you can complete by mail or online, you do not need to visit an office at all. Tennessee allows address changes, vehicle registration renewals, and some title work to be handled remotely, which may save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Oakland residents use the Fayette County Driver Services office in Somerville for all DMV services, not a local Oakland office.
- The Fayette County office is located at 101 Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068, and you can call (901) 465-5555 to confirm hours and wait times.
- Tennessee allows address changes and some vehicle transactions online or by mail, so you may not need to visit in person.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction when you visit.
Fayette County Driver Services location and contact information
The Fayette County Driver Services office is located at 101 Court Square, Somerville, TN 38068. Somerville is approximately 30 miles north of Oakland. You can reach the office by phone at (901) 465-5555 to ask about hours, current wait times, or whether you need an appointment.
Hours vary by season and staffing, so calling ahead before you make the drive is a practical step. The office may have extended hours on certain days or reduced hours during holidays. The staff can also tell you whether your specific transaction requires an in-person visit or can be completed online or by mail.
If you cannot reach the Fayette County office directly, you can also contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's main line at (615) 251-5221 to ask for the Fayette County office number or to report an issue.
What documents to bring to the Fayette County office
For a driver's license renewal or address change on your license, bring your current Tennessee driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your full legal name and date of birth. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to pass a vision test.
For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of your address. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Tennessee, you will also need the vehicle's VIN and odometer reading.
For a new driver's license or learner's permit, bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Tennessee address, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or court order if applicable). Tennessee also requires a vision test and a written knowledge test for new licenses.
Completing address changes online or by mail
Tennessee allows you to change your address on your driver's license without visiting an office. You can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, or you can mail a form to the Fayette County office. An online address change is faster and requires only your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
If you prefer to mail your address change, contact the Fayette County office at (901) 465-5555 to request the form, or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to read it. Mail the completed form with a copy of your proof of address to the Fayette County office. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online or by mail in Tennessee. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your registration expires, and that notice includes instructions for renewing online. Online renewal is usually the fastest option and does not require a visit to the office.
Vehicle title and registration services at Fayette County
The Fayette County Driver Services office handles new vehicle titles, title transfers, duplicate titles, and registration for all vehicles in the county. If you buy a used vehicle in Tennessee, you must transfer the title into your name within 10 days. The office can process this transaction in person, and you will need the current title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of your address.
If you are registering a vehicle from out of state, bring the out-of-state title or registration, your bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of your Tennessee address. Tennessee will issue you a new title and registration. The office can also issue a duplicate title if yours is lost or damaged.
Registration renewal can be completed online, by mail, or in person. The online option is usually the fastest and requires only your vehicle's VIN, current registration number, and payment by credit or debit card. Renewal by mail takes longer but is an option if you do not have internet access.
Alternate offices if Fayette County is inconvenient
If the Somerville office is too far or has a long wait, you may be able to use a driver services office in an adjacent county. Shelby County (Memphis), Madison County (Jackson), and Hardeman County (Bolivar) all have driver services offices. However, you may face restrictions depending on your transaction type — some services are limited to your home county, while others can be completed in any county office.
Call the Fayette County office first to ask whether your specific transaction can be completed in another county. If it can, the staff can tell you which nearby offices offer that service and their hours. This option works best for straightforward transactions like license renewals or address changes, rather than title work or new vehicle registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Fayette County office?
Appointment requirements vary. Call (901) 465-5555 to ask whether you need one for your specific transaction. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours, while others require appointments during peak times. Calling ahead also tells you the current wait time.
Can I renew my driver's license by mail from Oakland?
Yes, if your license is not expired. Tennessee allows mail renewal for standard licenses. Contact the Fayette County office at (901) 465-5555 to request the renewal form, or read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Mail it with payment to the Somerville office.
What if I need a duplicate title for a vehicle registered in Fayette County?
Visit the Fayette County office in Somerville with your current registration and proof of ownership. You can also request a duplicate title by mail — call (901) 465-5555 to ask for the form and mailing address. Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks.
Is there a DMV office closer to Oakland than Somerville?
No DMV office is located in Oakland itself. Somerville is the nearest option for Fayette County residents. If Somerville is inconvenient, you may be able to complete some transactions online or by mail, which avoids the trip entirely.
What are the hours for the Fayette County Driver Services office?
Hours change seasonally and may vary by day. Call (901) 465-5555 to confirm current hours before you visit. The office is typically closed on weekends and state holidays.