Renewing your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license through three routes: online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. By mail takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if your license is expired beyond one year, if you need to update your photo, or if you have medical or legal holds on your record.
Your renewal method depends on how long your license has been expired and whether your personal information or restrictions have changed. Tennessee issues licenses valid for five or eight years depending on your age at issuance, so check your current license to see your expiration date before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical suspensions or address changes.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and payment, and takes two to three weeks from the time the department receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee in Tennessee is $27.50 for a five-year license or $35 for an eight-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services Center location and hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website, and many locations accept walk-ins but some require appointments.
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
To renew online, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and, if everything matches, will process your renewal when ready.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired no more than one year ago, your address has not changed, and you have no medical suspensions, restrictions, or legal holds. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. The online system will tell you whether you are may be able to access before you pay.
After you complete online renewal, the department will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives.
Mail renewal with a paper process
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or request one by phone at 615-251-8590. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).
Send your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your process. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time. The department will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form.
Mail renewal works for most people, but you cannot use it if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your photo, or if you have medical or legal restrictions on your record. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center
To renew in person, visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. Some centers accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find your nearest center, see its hours, and determine whether you need to book ahead.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want a new photo, or if you have medical suspensions or legal holds. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within five to seven business days.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as the center will verify it against federal records. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee is $27.50 for a five-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. The fee you pay depends on your age and the license type you held when it was issued. If you are unsure which applies to you, check your current license or call the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only. Mail renewal accepts check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within five to seven business days. During the 30-day period, you can drive legally on the temporary license. After 30 days, you must have your permanent license in hand to continue driving.
Finding your nearest Driver Services Center
The Tennessee Department of Safety operates Driver Services Centers across the state. To find the one nearest you, visit the department's website and use the center locator tool, which shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Many centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
Call ahead before you go, because some centers require appointments while others accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary by location and time of day. If you cannot reach your local center by phone, you can submit a question through the department's website contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
No. If you have an unpaid court fine or an active suspension related to a traffic conviction, the renewal system will flag your record and block online renewal. You must resolve the ticket or fine first, then renew in person or by mail. Contact the court that issued the citation to learn what you owe and how to pay.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you moved, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring this document with you or include a copy in your mail packet.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not necessarily. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than eight years old, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center, where they will take a new one.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
If you have a temporary paper license from in-person renewal, you can drive for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives (typically five to seven business days). After that period, you must have your new license in hand.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of residency and payment. The center will issue you a replacement license with a new number at the same time.