Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license through the state's online system without visiting a Driver Services office, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $27.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot use the online renewal—you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs the online renewal system. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The state will mail your renewed license to the address on file unless you update it during the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is valid now or expired within the past 12 months.
- The renewal fee is $27.50 and you pay by debit or credit card during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at an office.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must complete an in-person renewal at a Driver Services office instead.
- You need your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online process.
Who can use online renewal
Your license must fall into one of two categories: it is currently valid, or it expired no more than 12 months ago. If you are renewing before expiration, you can start the process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you have a 12-month window from the expiration date to renew online.
You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled by the state. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information beyond what the system allows—though you can update your mailing address during the online renewal itself. If any of these restrictions explore to you, visit a Driver Services office in person.
Steps to renew online
Start by going to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and locating the online driver's license renewal portal. You will enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to review it for accuracy.
Next, you'll confirm or update your mailing address—this is where your new license will be sent. Review the fee amount ($27.50) and enter your payment information. Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Once your payment processes, your renewal is complete. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the Driver Services customer service line with your confirmation number.
What happens after you renew online
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives in the mail. You can continue to use it for identification and driving during the 7 to 10 business day wait. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a record—Tennessee does not require you to return it.
Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for eight years from the renewal date (or until age 62 if you are older than 54). If you need to verify your renewal was processed, you can log back into the online system with your license number and check the status.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, the online system will not accept your renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office and complete a full renewal process in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The in-person renewal takes longer and costs more than the online option.
You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. Contact Driver Services directly to understand why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew. Attempting to renew while suspended will not work and may delay your ability to drive legally.
Mailing address changes and other updates
During the online renewal process, you can update the mailing address where your new license will be sent. This is useful if you have moved since your last renewal. straightforward enter your new address when prompted and your license will arrive there.
If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information on your license, you cannot do this through online renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a court order for a gender marker change). Plan to do this before your license expires so you can renew online afterward, or complete both the name change and renewal in one in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Tennessee typically delivers renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact Driver Services with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension through Driver Services before you can renew. Contact the department directly to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do.
What if I enter the wrong information during online renewal?
If you notice an error before you submit payment, go back and correct it. If you already paid and realize the mistake afterward, contact Driver Services with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the error affects your renewal and what to do next.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you visit an office in person and request a new one.
Can someone else renew my license for me online?
No. You must complete the online renewal yourself using your own license number and Social Security number. The system requires your personal information to verify your identity. If you cannot renew online yourself, visit a Driver Services office in person.