Tennessee driver's license renewal works differently depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, and your may be able to access depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo
Tennessee offers three renewal paths: online through the Drive License Services website, by mail if your license is current or expired less than two years, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The online option is the fastest and costs $27.50 for a four-year renewal or $32.50 for an eight-year renewal. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state processes online renewals within five to seven business days, and your new license arrives by mail.
If you renew by mail, you'll send your current license, a completed Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver License), and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at any Driver Services Center takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal, but you'll walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Drive License Services website is the fastest option and takes five to seven business days if your license is current and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago, and the process takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license has been expired more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you want a temporary license when ready.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid a $10 late fee, and Tennessee does not extend expired licenses or offer grace periods.
- Your renewal cost depends on whether you choose a four-year ($27.50) or eight-year ($32.50) license, and you can select either option regardless of your age.
When you can renew online or by mail
Online renewal is available if your current license is not expired, or if it expired within the last two years. You do not need a new photo for online renewal—Tennessee will use the photo from your current license. You'll need your license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a debit or credit card to complete the transaction on the Drive License Services website.
Mail renewal uses the same two-year window: your license must not be expired more than two years. You'll complete Form DL 43, which you can print from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or request by calling 615-251-5221. Include your current license, the completed form, and payment by check or money order. Mail your envelope to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.
When you must renew in person
You must visit a Driver Services Center if your license has been expired more than two years, if you need a new photo (because you've changed your appearance significantly or your current photo is damaged), or if you want a temporary license to use when ready. In-person renewal also applies if you're changing your name, address, or medical information, or if you need to add or remove restrictions from your license.
Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have extended hours. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What happens if your license is already expired
Tennessee charges a $10 late fee if you renew after your license expires. The state does not offer a grace period or extension—your license is invalid the day it expires. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. The process takes the same amount of time and costs the same amount, but you'll pay the $10 late fee in addition to your renewal fee.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
Tennessee allows you to choose either a four-year license ($27.50) or an eight-year license ($32.50) regardless of your age. There's no restriction based on how old you are. The choice is purely about how often you want to renew and how much you want to spend upfront. A four-year license costs less per renewal but requires you to renew more frequently. An eight-year license costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years.
If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll select your preference during the transaction. If you're renewing in person, tell the clerk which option you want when you arrive.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.
If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. If you're changing your address, your proof-of-address document serves as notification—you don't need to fill out a separate form.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
Online renewal takes five to seven business days from the time you submit your process. Your new license will arrive by mail within that window. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope—add three to five days for mail delivery to the state's processing center. In-person renewal is when ready: you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the post office, or you can visit a Driver Services Center to request that a new license be mailed to your new address (there may be a small fee). Do not assume your temporary license will be extended if your permanent license hasn't arrived—plan to renew before your temporary license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is current or expired less than two years. If your license has been expired more than two years, you'll need to visit a Driver Services Center in Tennessee in person, or you can contact the state to ask about exceptions for military members or others with hardship circumstances.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You'll need to visit a Driver Services Center in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The replacement costs the same as a renewal and takes the same amount of time.
Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?
Not for online or mail renewal. For in-person renewal, the clerk will perform a basic vision screening. If you fail, you may be required to provide a vision test from an eye doctor before your license is issued. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Can I change my address without renewing my license?
You can update your address at a Driver Services Center without renewing your license, though you'll pay a small fee. Online, you can update your address only during the renewal process. If you're moving, it's often simpler to wait and update your address when you renew.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. The renewal process is the same, but plan to visit a Driver Services Center.