Tennessee driver's licenses expire every five or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center
Tennessee issues driver's licenses that expire on your birthday in the fifth or eighth year after issue, depending on whether you're under 65 or 65 and older. You don't have to wait until your license expires to renew it—you can renew up to one year before the expiration date. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs the renewal process, and the method you choose depends on what documents you have and whether you need a new photo.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Tennessee Driver Services website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 for a five-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver Services Center in person. Each method has different requirements and timelines, and understanding which one fits your situation will save you a trip or a rejected process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Driver Services office receives your process, and you must include your current license and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you will receive your new license the same day if you pay the fee.
- If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore in person as if you were getting a license for the first time.
- Tennessee charges different fees for different license types and renewal lengths, so confirm the exact amount before you submit payment.
Online renewal: fastest if your information hasn't changed
Online renewal through the Tennessee Driver Services website is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, you have a valid Social Security number on file with the state, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, choose your license length (five or eight years), and pay the fee by debit or credit card.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address or name before renewing, you must do that in person at a Driver Services Center or by mail—you cannot make those changes online. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired less than three years ago.
Mail renewal: requires your current license and a check
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than three years. You will need to read and print the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee Driver Services website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal—acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
Mail your process to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Driver Services office receives your envelope, so allow extra time for postal delivery. You will not receive a new photo on a mail renewal, so your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you need a new photo or if your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to walk out with your new license the same day. Driver Services Centers are located throughout Tennessee; you can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Driver Services website. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. You do not need to make an appointment at most centers, but some locations accept appointments online to reduce wait time.
The staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee by cash, debit card, or credit card and receive your new license when ready. Processing time is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the center is. If you cannot visit a center during business hours, some locations offer extended hours on certain days—check the website for your local center's schedule.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license (not expired), valid Social Security number on file | Debit or credit card | 7–10 business days by mail |
| Current license (not expired or expired less than 3 years), Form DL 43, proof of residency if address changed | Check or money order | 7–10 business days after receipt | |
| In Person | Current license, valid ID, proof of residency, Social Security number | Cash, debit card, or credit card | Same day |
Renewal fees and license types in Tennessee
Tennessee charges different fees depending on the type of license and the length of validity you choose. A standard driver's license costs $27 for a five-year renewal or $54 for an eight-year renewal. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal fees are higher and vary based on the endorsements you carry. You can only renew a CDL in person at a Driver Services Center; online and mail renewal are not available for commercial licenses.
If you are 65 or older, you receive an eight-year license at no additional cost compared to the standard fee. If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may have additional fees or requirements—contact your local Driver Services Center for details. Payment must be made at the time of renewal; you cannot renew and pay later.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives in the mail, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed, as long as you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep your mail receipt or online confirmation email with you. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them your expired license and your proof of process.
However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it through the standard process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time, which requires an in-person visit, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. This is why it is important to renew before your license expires or shortly after, rather than waiting years to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Tennessee, you cannot renew a Tennessee license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Tennessee but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact your local Driver Services Center to discuss your options before attempting to renew.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person to report the loss and explore for a replacement license. Bring a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.
How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
The Tennessee Driver Services website has a tool where you can enter your driver's license number and date of birth to check your renewal status. It will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online, by mail, or in person. You can also call your local Driver Services Center to confirm.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed since I last renewed?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name and issue a new license with your current information.
What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?
If you need your new license urgently, renew in person at a Driver Services Center instead of by mail or online. You will receive your new license the same day you explore. If you have already submitted a mail or online renewal and need to speed up the process, contact your local Driver Services Center to ask whether they can expedite your process.