Tennessee driver's licenses expire every five or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Your Tennessee driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When it approaches, you have three ways to renew: online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at any Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.
Tennessee licenses issued to people under 21 expire after five years. Licenses for people 21 and older expire after eight years. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so there is no rush, but waiting until the last week before expiration limits your options—online and mail renewals take time to process, and in-person visits can have long wait times near the important date.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee driver's licenses expire every five years for people under 21 and every eight years for people 21 and older.
- Online renewal through the TDOSHS website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 43 and takes four to six weeks from the time the office receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
Online renewal through the TDOSHS website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you do not need to update your photo. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is $28.50 if you renew online. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and processing typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
Mail renewal using Form DL 43
If you prefer not to go online or visit an office, you can renew by mail. read Form DL 43 from the TDOSHS website or request it by phone at 615-251-8590. Complete the form with your current information, include a check or money order for $28.50 made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewals take longer than online renewals—typically four to six weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. You will need to include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number with your process. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visit a Driver Services office if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you straightforward prefer to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). The renewal fee is $28.50.
Wait times at Driver Services offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on weekends and after 4 p.m. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the TDOSHS website. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have a renewal process in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license expired more than a year ago and you have been driving, you may face additional penalties. Renew as soon as you can to avoid this risk.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last renewal—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The renewal fee remains $28.50.
If you have moved and want to update your address, you can do so during any renewal method. For online or mail renewal, your new address will be entered as part of the process. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Documents you will need for any renewal method
Regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, you will need to provide certain information. Your current driver's license number is required for all methods. You will also need to verify your Social Security number—you can do this with your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.
For mail and in-person renewal, you must also bring proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box is not acceptable as proof of residency. If you are renewing online, you do not need to submit physical documents, but you will be asked to confirm your address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Tennessee resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online. If you need a new photo or have other changes to make, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in Tennessee or contact the TDOSHS to discuss your options.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online renewals typically arrive within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take four to six weeks from the time the office receives your process, plus the time it takes for your envelope to arrive. In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must replace it. Visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee, so ask the office for the current cost.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the TDOSHS. Contact the department at 615-251-8590 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
A new photo is not required for online or mail renewal unless you request one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Some people choose to do this every renewal cycle, while others only update their photo when required by law or when they want a change.