Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new one.
If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll need your current license, proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. If you're renewing in person, bring those same documents plus your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is more than 10 years old or your appearance has changed significantly enough that the photo no longer resembles you.
Tennessee allows online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is current, your address hasn't changed, and you have no holds on your record.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your documents, but you cannot drive on an expired license while waiting.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and lets you leave with a temporary license the same day.
- You must renew before your license expires; Tennessee does not allow a grace period for expired licenses.
- Your renewal fee depends on how long your new license is valid for — typically 4, 5, or 8 years — and costs between $27 and $67.
Online renewal through the Tennessee website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status.
You'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your renewal using your license number on the same website.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — currently $27 for a 4-year license — but you cannot use this method if your address has changed, if your license is already expired, or if there are any holds or flags on your driving record. If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, the website will tell you during the process.
Mail renewal and what to send
Request a mail renewal form by calling the Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-5221 or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. You can also read the form from the state website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Nashville Driver Services office. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the state does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your documents, but you cannot legally drive during that time if your license has expired.
Mail renewal works if your address has changed, if your license is expired, or if you cannot visit an office in person. However, if you have any holds on your record or medical restrictions that need updating, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the state website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis and may have wait times during peak hours.
The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. You'll fill out a form, have your photo taken (unless you're exempt), and pay the renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, if you have medical restrictions or holds on your record, if your license is expired, or if your appearance has changed significantly since your last photo. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary license you can use when ready.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Tennessee offers licenses valid for 4, 5, or 8 years. The fee depends on which term you choose. A 4-year license costs $27 online or $32 in person. A 5-year license costs $40 online or $45 in person. An 8-year license costs $60 online or $67 in person. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the exact amount when you begin your renewal.
You choose the term length when you renew. Many people choose the longest available term to avoid renewing again soon, but the upfront cost is higher. If you're on a tight budget, the 4-year option is cheaper but means you'll need to renew sooner.
If you're renewing by mail, you can only pay by check or money order. If you're renewing online or in person, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash (in person only).
What to do if your license is already expired
You cannot legally drive on an expired Tennessee license. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it through the standard process — online, by mail, or in person. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You'll need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal, but the office may require you to pass a vision test or retake your written test depending on how long it's been expired. Call ahead to ask what to expect.
Do not drive while your license is expired, even if you've submitted a renewal process. You're not covered by your insurance if you're stopped, and you can be cited for driving with an expired license.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security card.
If you need to update your address, medical restrictions, or organ donor status, you can do so during any renewal method. Online and mail renewal let you update your address and organ donor preference. In-person renewal lets you update all of those plus medical restrictions and emergency contact information.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and may have additional requirements depending on your endorsements and medical certification status. Contact a Driver Services office to confirm what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license's expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee (currently $10 to $15). The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot.
How long can I drive on a temporary paper license?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before that expires. If it doesn't, contact Driver Services to check the status or request a replacement temporary license.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person, and even then only if your current photo is more than 10 years old or your appearance has changed significantly.
What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged?
Contact Driver Services with your license number and a description of the damage. The state will mail you a replacement at no charge. Bring the damaged license with you if you visit an office in person, or mail it back with a note explaining the damage.