Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-43. If you renew by mail, you'll mail the same form along with your current license and a check or money order to the address on the renewal notice you receive.

Tennessee sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that in the mail. If you don't receive one, you can still renew — just bring the documents listed above to any Driver Services office. The state has 77 locations across Tennessee, and you can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any of Tennessee's 77 Driver Services offices or by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet age requirements.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-43, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal costs the same as in-person but takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time.
  • Tennessee licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and Form DL-43 (which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The fee is $28 for a standard four-year renewal, or $48 for an eight-year renewal. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you've changed your address, bring a document showing your new address. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You don't need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

Mail renewal by post

To renew by mail, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid (not expired) Tennessee license, and have no suspensions or restrictions on your record. Fill out Form DL-43, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $28 (four-year) or $48 (eight-year) to the address printed on your renewal notice. If you didn't receive a notice, the mailing address is on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time in both directions. You'll receive a temporary paper license in the mail, valid until your plastic card arrives. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person.

When your license has already expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and Form DL-43. The fee remains $28 or $48 depending on the term you choose.

If your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew by mail or in person without retesting. After six months past expiration, Tennessee treats it as a new license rather than a renewal, which means the written and vision tests become required.

Address changes and name changes

If you've moved, update your address during renewal. Bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You don't need a separate form; just tell the clerk at the Driver Services office or write your new address on Form DL-43 before mailing it.

If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will verify it and issue a new license with your current name. This doesn't cost extra — it's part of the renewal fee.

License types and renewal terms

Tennessee offers four-year and eight-year renewal terms. The four-year renewal costs $28 and is the standard option. The eight-year renewal costs $48 and is available to drivers 21 and older. Choose whichever fits your preference — there's no penalty for choosing the shorter term, and you can switch to the longer term next time you renew.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail. You must go in person to a Driver Services office and may need to pass a medical examination depending on your CDL class. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal plus any required medical certification.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving on an expired Tennessee license is a traffic violation. If you're stopped, you can face a fine of up to $50 for a license expired less than one year. If it's been expired longer than a year, the fine increases and you may face additional penalties. Renewing before expiration avoids this entirely — your birthday is printed on your license, so you know the date well in advance.

If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for a documented reason, Tennessee may waive the violation if you renew promptly. Explain the situation to the clerk when you renew, though the decision rests with the officer if you're cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. The mail option is the closest to remote renewal — you fill out the form at home and mail it in, though it takes longer than in-person.

What if I lost my current license?

You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Go to a Driver Services office with your proof of residency and Social Security card. The replacement fee is $7. Once you have the replacement, you can renew when ready if your license is about to expire, or wait until closer to your birthday.

How long does the plastic license card take to arrive?

About two weeks after you renew, whether in person or by mail. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready (in person) or in the mail (by mail) that's valid until the plastic card arrives. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the paper license is sufficient.

Can I renew if my license is suspended?

No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Department of Safety. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required at Tennessee Driver Services offices. You can walk in during business hours. Wait times vary, but arriving early in the morning or on a weekday mid-week typically means shorter lines.