You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website without visiting an office in person. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online route. You must have a valid, unexpired Tennessee driver's license, be a Tennessee resident, and not need to update your photo or personal information. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online and must visit a driver services center instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current Tennessee driver's license is still valid and you don't need to change your photo, address, or other personal details.
- The online process costs $27.50 and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update your photo or address, you must visit a driver services center in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to renew:
- Your current Tennessee driver's license number
- Your Social Security number
- A valid credit card or debit card for the $27.50 renewal fee
- An email address where you can receive your confirmation
You do not need to print anything or prepare documents beforehand. The online system will walk you through each step and tell you what information to enter. Make sure the name, address, and date of birth on your current license are correct before you start—if any of this information is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must visit a driver services center instead.
The steps to renew online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will see a button or link labeled something like "Renew Your Driver's License Online." Click it to begin.
Enter your driver's license number and Social Security number when prompted. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct. Review your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything looks wrong, stop and visit a driver services center instead—you cannot correct it through the online process.
Answer any questions about medical conditions, organ donation, or other details the system asks. These questions help the state keep your record current. Then enter your payment information. Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will be charged $27.50 when ready.
After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write this number down or save the email. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
If any of these situations explore to you, the online system will not let you complete the renewal, and you must visit a driver services center:
- Your driver's license has expired for more than two years
- Your license is suspended or revoked
- You need to update your photo, name, address, or date of birth
- You need to add or remove a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement
- You want to change your organ donation status from what is currently on file
- You have a medical condition that requires a new evaluation
To find a driver services center near you, use the location finder on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it.
What happens after you renew online
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will come from the state's mailing vendor, not from a local office. Open it carefully and check that your name, address, license number, and expiration date are all correct. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or until age 70 if you are older than 62).
Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you can drive legally on the expired one. Once the new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it for your records. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
Online renewal will not work if your physical license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read. You must visit a driver services center to report the loss or damage and get a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any other photo ID you have. The replacement fee is $27.50, the same as a renewal.
If you lost your license and need to drive before you can visit a center, you can request a temporary driving permit at the center. This permit is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your replacement license to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license online if I just moved to Tennessee?
No. Online renewal is only for people who already have a valid Tennessee driver's license. If you are new to Tennessee, you must visit a driver services center to get a Tennessee license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, your Social Security card, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate).
What if I don't receive my renewed license within 10 business days?
Contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you where it is in the mailing process. If it has been lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement. Keep your confirmation email until your new license arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must visit a driver services center in person. The center will take a new photo and charge you the renewal fee.
Can I renew online if my license expires soon but hasn't expired yet?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew it, not from the expiration date of your old license. Renewing early does not cost extra.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online. Common reasons include a suspension or revocation on your record, an expired license, or a need to update your information. Visit a driver services center with the documents listed above, and a staff member can help you renew in person.