Tennessee driver's license fees in 2024
A Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is also $27 for a four-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security when you renew or obtain a new license.
The actual amount you pay at the counter may be higher if you add services — for example, a Real ID endorsement, a duplicate license, or a replacement for a lost or stolen card. Each of these costs extra. The $27 figure covers only the standard driver's license itself.
Fees do not vary by county or by which Driver Services office you visit. You pay the same amount in Nashville as you would in Memphis or Knoxville. However, some offices may charge a separate transaction fee if you pay by credit or debit card rather than cash or check.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27 and is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, or four years if you are under 21.
- Real ID endorsement adds $15 to your license fee and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
- A duplicate or replacement license costs $10 if your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- You can renew by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation, and the fee remains $27 regardless of method.
- Some Driver Services offices charge a card processing fee on top of the license fee if you do not pay in cash or check.
Real ID endorsement and the additional cost
If you want your Tennessee driver's license to work for federal purposes — boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base — you need a Real ID endorsement. This adds $15 to your license fee, bringing the total to $42 for a standard license with Real ID.
Real ID is not automatic. You must request it when you renew or get a new license. To get it, you will need to bring proof of identity (your current license or passport), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count.
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license without Real ID will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel. If you fly or enter federal buildings, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or a military ID. Many people are renewing early to avoid the rush, so wait times at Driver Services offices may be longer than usual through spring 2025.
Duplicate and replacement license fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement license costs $10. This is separate from the renewal fee. You can get a replacement at any Driver Services office without waiting for your renewal cycle.
A duplicate license — an extra copy of your current valid license — also costs $10. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home or in a safe place while carrying the original. You can request a duplicate online through the Tennessee Driver Services website, by mail, or in person.
If you want Real ID on a replacement or duplicate, add $15 to the $10 fee. So a replacement license with Real ID costs $25 total.
How to renew and what method costs
Tennessee offers three ways to renew your driver's license, and the $27 fee is the same for all of them: online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office.
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are under 60 and your license is not suspended or revoked. You can renew up to one year before expiration. You pay the $27 fee by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no additional processing fee for online renewal.
Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works the same way. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for $27, and mail it to the address on the renewal notice. Some people use mail renewal to avoid a trip to the office, though it is slower than online.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You pay $27 in cash, by check, or by card. If you pay by card, some offices add a $1 to $3 processing fee on top of the $27. Call ahead to ask whether your local office charges a card fee.
When you need to renew in person instead of online
You cannot renew online if you are 60 or older, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name, or if you need to update your address or other information. In those cases, you must go to a Driver Services office in person and pay the $27 renewal fee at the counter.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you also cannot renew online — you will need to explore for a new license in person, which costs the same $27 but may require additional documents such as proof of residency.
Real ID renewal also requires an in-person visit if you do not already have Real ID on your current license. You cannot add Real ID online; you must go to an office, bring your documents, and pay the $15 Real ID fee plus the $27 renewal fee.
Payment methods and transaction fees
Tennessee Driver Services offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders.
If you pay by card at an office, ask whether there is a processing fee. Not all offices charge one, but some add $1 to $3 to cover the cost of card processing. Paying in cash or by check avoids this fee entirely. Online renewal does not charge a separate processing fee — the $27 is all you pay.
If you are paying by mail, do not send cash. Use a check or money order made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Include your driver's license number and the renewal form with your payment.
Getting your license faster: expedited service
Tennessee does not offer expedited or rush processing for driver's licenses. Standard processing times are 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal, and same-day issuance for in-person renewal at a Driver Services office.
If you need your license quickly, going in person is your only option. You will get your license the same day you explore, though you may wait in line for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office's volume. The fee is still $27 — there is no charge for getting it the same day.
Some Driver Services offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, try visiting early in the morning on a weekday, or check the office's website to see if it offers online appointment scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full $27 if I renew before my license expires?
Yes. The renewal fee is $27 regardless of when you renew, as long as your current license is still valid. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and the fee does not change. Renewing early does not cost more or less.
What if I move out of Tennessee after I get my license?
Your Tennessee license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. You do not have to pay Tennessee again. However, once you move, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days.
Can I get a refund if I paid for a license and then changed my mind?
No. Once you have paid the fee and received your license, the fee is non-refundable. If you do not want to use the license, you can surrender it to a Driver Services office, but you will not get your money back.
Is the $27 fee the same if I renew my license after a suspension?
Yes, the renewal fee is $27. However, if your license was suspended, you may have to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee varies depending on why your license was suspended — it could be $50 to several hundred dollars. Contact your local Driver Services office to find out what reinstatement fees explore to your situation.
Do I have to pay extra if I want a different photo on my new license?
No. You can request a new photo when you renew, and it is included in the $27 fee. At an in-person renewal, they will take a new photo. For online or mail renewal, you will use your current photo unless you renew in person.