Red Bank Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Red Bank Driver License Office is located at 3955 Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank, Tennessee. This is a full-service Driver License office operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver License Services.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends. Because hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, call ahead at (423) 875-7500 before making the trip, especially if you are traveling more than 20 minutes.

The Red Bank location serves Hamilton County and surrounding areas. If you live closer to Chattanooga or another nearby city, you may find a shorter wait at a different office, though all Tennessee Driver License offices handle the same services and accept the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Bank Driver License Office is at 3955 Dayton Boulevard and open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed weekends and state holidays.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency to renew or obtain a driver license.
  • The office handles renewals, new licenses, replacements, and address changes without an appointment, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital photos are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other renewal conditions.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Tennessee requires three categories of documents at the Driver License office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a valid military ID, a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, work ID, or expired license does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security Administration letter. A document showing your number is sufficient — it does not have to be the card itself.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.

Services Available at Red Bank Without an Appointment

The Red Bank office issues new driver licenses, renews expired or expiring licenses, replaces lost or damaged licenses, and processes address changes. All of these services are walk-in only — no appointments are taken. Wait times depend on the time of day and day of week; early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than late afternoon or Friday visits.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may also renew online through the Tennessee Driver License website or by mail instead of visiting in person. Online renewal takes about five business days; mail renewal takes longer. You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have changed your name, or if you need to update your vision correction status.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or issuance. CDL services are available only at certain locations; contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find the nearest CDL testing site.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and submit your documents. Staff will verify that your documents meet Tennessee requirements and that your information matches across all three proof categories. This verification step typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will then be called to a service window to complete your process. You will answer questions about your driving history, medical conditions, and organ donation status. If you are renewing, you will confirm that your information has not changed. If you are obtaining a new license, you will provide your signature and choose whether to be an organ donor.

A photo will be taken at the service window. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons, and your face must be clearly visible. After your photo is taken, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees vary depending on the type of license and the length of validity. A standard driver license valid for eight years costs $27.00. A renewal of an existing license costs $27.00. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $27.00. An address change on your current license costs $7.00 if done in person.

The Red Bank office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Exact change is not required, but the office cannot process refunds for overpayment on the same day — you will receive a refund by mail.

Renewing Your License Without Visiting in Person

If your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew online at the Tennessee Driver License website. Online renewal takes about five business days from submission. You will receive a renewal notice by mail, and your new license will arrive separately within 7 to 10 business days after that.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to visit the office. Request a renewal form by calling (615) 741-3054 or by visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delivery time on both ends.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, if you need to change your name, if you need to update your vision correction status, or if you have an outstanding suspension or revocation. In those cases, you must visit the Red Bank office or another Driver License office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license the same day I visit?

No. You receive a receipt at the office that serves as a temporary license, but your physical driver license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt is valid for driving during that time.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid U.S. passport, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or foreign passport with a U.S. visa instead. If you do not have any of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Tennessee Vital Records office before visiting the Driver License office.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Red Bank office operates on a walk-in basis only. Arrive early in the day or mid-week to avoid longer waits. Call (423) 875-7500 if you want to know current wait times before you go.

What if my address changed but I don't have a recent utility bill?

Bring any document dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government-issued document. A utility bill is common but not the only option.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must visit the office in person. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. Bring the same documents you would need for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.