How to Get and Renew a Tennessee Driver License

What you need to get a Tennessee driver license

Tennessee issues driver licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You must also pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website. After passing both tests, you will have your photo taken for the license itself.

The fee for a standard driver license is $28.50 for an eight-year license (or $17.50 for a four-year license if you prefer). Payment is cash, check, or card at the office. Your license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Tennessee residency to get a license.
You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office; the handbook is free on the Department of Safety website.
A standard eight-year license costs $28.50, and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, or renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Tennessee offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Renewing your Tennessee driver license online

If your license is not yet expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for an eight-year renewal.

Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available only if your address has not changed; if you have moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

If your license has expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you have moved (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment. You will not need to retake the knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. The fee is the same as online renewal: $28.50 for an eight-year license. Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

REAL ID-compliant Tennessee licenses

Tennessee offers REAL ID-compliant driver licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

To get a REAL ID license, you must explore in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents as a standard license process, plus additional proof of residency (two documents if your name does not match the residency proof). The fee is $33.50 for an eight-year REAL ID license. Your license will be marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you already have a standard Tennessee license, you do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when ready. You can continue using your current license for driving. However, if you renew your license after May 7, 2025, and want to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you will need to upgrade to REAL ID at that time.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Tennessee has 77 Driver Services offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. During busy times (typically mid-month and mid-week), wait times can exceed one hour even with an appointment.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile Driver Services units that visit on a rotating schedule. Check the Department of Safety website for the schedule in your county.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written knowledge test and vision test when you renew, even if you renew online (you will be directed to an office).

Tennessee sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a reminder, you can check your expiration date on the Department of Safety website using your license number and date of birth.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any Driver Services office or online if the damage is minor. For an in-person replacement, bring proof of identity and payment ($28.50 for a standard license). Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department, though this is not required to replace the license itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, or in person at any time before expiration. Renewing early does not extend your license beyond the standard eight-year term — your new expiration date is eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.

What if I move out of Tennessee?

You must get a driver license from your new state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Tennessee will not renew your license if you no longer live in the state. Your Tennessee license remains valid for driving until it expires, but you cannot renew it once you have established residency elsewhere.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Tennessee?

No. A standard Tennessee driver license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the United States. REAL ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel. For driving, your current license works indefinitely.

How long does it take to get a Tennessee driver license after my first visit?

Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the tests and pay the fee at the office. You can drive legally on a temporary permit issued at the office while you wait for the physical license to arrive.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at most offices, or schedule another appointment within a few days. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You must pass both the vision test and the knowledge test before your license is issued.

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.