Tennessee driver's license renewal basics
Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 43, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions.
- You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Tennessee does not charge a renewal fee if you renew before your license expires, but you pay the full fee if you renew after expiration.
Online renewal through the Tennessee website
The fastest and cheapest way to renew is through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety. You log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number, answer questions about your current address and any medical conditions, and pay by debit or credit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, if you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and if you do not need a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.
The cost is $28.50 for an eight-year renewal. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $19.50. You cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement — those require in-person renewal.
Mail renewal with Form DL 43
To renew by mail, read Form DL 43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or pick one up at any Driver Services Center. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include your current driver's license or a copy of it.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your form. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. The cost is the same as online renewal: $28.50 for eight years, or $19.50 if you are 65 or older.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have changed your address and need to update it, or if you need a new photo. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a doctor's statement. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Wait times at Driver Services Centers vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations offer online scheduling.
The renewal fee at a Driver Services Center is $28.50 for eight years. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you pay the full fee with no discount. If you renew before expiration, you pay the standard fee.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
The renewal fee is the same whether your license expired recently or years ago. However, if you have been driving without a valid license, you may face penalties. Check with the Tennessee Department of Safety about your specific situation before you renew.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal and need to update your address, you can do so during online renewal as long as you have a current address on file with the state. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you can update your address at the same time without extra cost.
If you want to change your name, add or remove a motorcycle endorsement, or add a commercial driver's license classification, you must renew in person. These changes require additional documents and fees beyond the standard renewal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you still pay the standard $28.50 renewal fee for an eight-year license. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.
What happens if I let my license expire?
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee. If you are stopped by police, you can face fines and penalties. You can still renew online or by mail if your license has been expired less than two years. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the time the state processes your request. In-person renewals at a Driver Services Center are faster — you typically receive your new license within 7 business days. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, a new photo is not required during renewal. Your current photo will be used on your new license unless you choose to get a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. There is no extra charge for a new photo during renewal.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee is $28.50 for eight years, the same as a standard license.