Where to renew your license in Memphis

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs driver's license renewal in Memphis. You can renew in person at the Driver Services Center located at 1150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105, or at satellite offices in Shelby County. The main office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the state website before you go.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions — your license must be a standard (not commercial) license, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must be renewing for the first time by mail. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, typically four to six weeks from the time the state receives your process.

Online renewal is not available for Tennessee driver's licenses. You must either go in person or use the mail option if you are may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at the Poplar Avenue Driver Services Center or a Shelby County satellite office takes about 30 minutes and is the fastest option.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Standard license renewal costs $27.50 and is valid for eight years; you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired, is a standard license with no medical restrictions, and this is your first mail renewal.
  • If your license is expired more than four years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, even if it is expired. You will also need one document that proves your current address in Tennessee — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport.

Wear something suitable for a photo. The photo taken at renewal will be on your license for eight years, so plan accordingly.

Cost and how long your new license lasts

A standard driver's license renewal in Tennessee costs $27.50. This covers an eight-year license valid from the date of issue. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date, not from the expiration date of your old one.

If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a shorter period — four years instead of eight — at a reduced cost of $13.75. This option is available whether you renew in person or by mail.

When you can renew and what happens if you are expired

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new license takes effect when ready, and your old license becomes invalid. The state recommends renewing within 30 days of expiration to avoid driving on an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

If your license has been expired for less than four years, you can renew by the standard process — bring your documents, pay the fee, and take a new photo. If your license has been expired for more than four years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test. Call the Driver Services Center at (901) 465-8000 to confirm whether you will need to test before you go.

Mail renewal step-by-step

If you are may be able to access for mail renewal, request an process form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call (901) 465-8000. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, address, and any name changes. Include a check or money order for $27.50 (or $13.75 if you are 65 or older) made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Mail your completed form, payment, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address provided on the process. Keep a copy of everything you send. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes four to six weeks after they receive your process. Do not mail your current license — keep it until you receive the new one.

In-person renewal at the Driver Services Center

Arrive at the Poplar Avenue location or a Shelby County satellite office with all required documents. Check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary; the state does not accept appointments for standard renewals, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

When called, go to the counter with your documents. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid.

What to do if your name or address changed

If you have a new name since your last license, bring the certified document proving the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your record during renewal. If you have only changed your address, bring proof of your new Tennessee address and the staff will update it without delay.

If you moved out of state and are now moving back to Tennessee, you will need to renew your license in person. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of your new Tennessee address. The process is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Tennessee Department of Safety before you can renew. Call (901) 465-8000 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to clear it.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license first, then renew. Go to the Driver Services Center with your documents and ask for a replacement. The replacement fee is $7.50, and you will receive a temporary license when ready. Once you have the replacement, you can renew during the same visit or return later.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No. The Driver Services Center does not take appointments for standard renewals. Walk in during business hours, check in at the front desk, and wait your turn. Arriving early or on a weekday mid-morning typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

What if my address on my license is wrong but I do not want to change it yet?

You must update your address to your current Tennessee residence during renewal. Tennessee law requires your license to show your actual address. If you are moving soon, wait to renew until after you move, or update your address now and renew.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks from the date the state receives your process.