How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process. Online renewal, available only for standard license renewals with no address changes, takes effect when ready once approved.

For any renewal method, you will need your current Tennessee driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing by mail or online, you also need a recent color photo that meets Tennessee's specifications: a 2x2-inch photo taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, showing your full face and both ears. If you renew in person, the office takes your photo on-site.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address separately before renewing online. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license.

Key Takeaways

Tennessee driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal is the fastest option for standard renewals with no address or name changes, and costs $27 for a four-year license.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you have an address change, name change, or medical condition affecting your driving.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires a color photo meeting Tennessee's specifications, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, but you cannot renew after it has already expired without explore for a new license instead.

Online renewal through the Tennessee website

Online renewal is available only if you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and your current license is not suspended or revoked. You start at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Online Services," then "Renew Your License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee — $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license — using a credit or debit card. Once payment is approved, your renewal is complete and your new license is valid when ready. You do not need to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail; you can use your old license until the new one reaches your home, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or you want to renew a commercial driver's license. You can walk into any Driver Services office during business hours without an appointment, though some offices have longer wait times during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name or address has changed, bring the legal document proving the change. The office will take your photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $54 for eight years), and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your old license and should receive your new one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal by process form

Mail renewal is an option if you are renewing a standard driver's license, your address has not changed, and your name has not changed. read the process form (Form DL-43) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or request one by calling the main office. Complete the form with your current license number, date of birth, and other requested information.

Enclose a color photo meeting Tennessee's requirements: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, plain white or off-white background, full face and both ears visible. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $54 for eight years) made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Mail the completed form, photo, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose at renewal. A four-year license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $54. Both prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it any time during the year before expiration — for example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew it starting March 15, 2024.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires in-person process at a Driver Services office and costs more than renewal. This is why renewing before your expiration date is important: it keeps your costs down and avoids the need to reapply.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privilege. Suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

Restoring a suspended or revoked license often requires paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or obtaining a medical clearance. The Driver Services office can explain your specific situation and the cost and timeline for restoration. Until your license is restored, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires in-person process at a Driver Services office. Renewing before your expiration date keeps you legal and costs less than explore for a new license.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

After you renew in person, by mail, or online, your new physical license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you renew online, your new license is valid when ready even before the card arrives.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

No. You can walk into any Driver Services office during business hours without an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring the legal document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license when you renew in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.