Tennessee driver's license fees by type and renewal

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are between 18 and 20, the cost is the same but your license expires after four years. Minors aged 16 to 17 pay $19.50 for a four-year license.

Renewal of an existing license costs the same as a new one: $27.50 for adults. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office, though online and mail renewals are cheaper because you avoid the in-person service fee.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025 — the cost is $32.50 for adults. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, so the process takes longer and costs more than a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for adults and is valid for eight years.
  • Real ID licenses cost $32.50 and require documents proving citizenship or legal residency.
  • Minors pay $19.50 for a four-year license; 18- to 20-year-olds pay $27.50 for a four-year license.
  • Renewing by mail or online costs the same as the license itself, but renewing in person adds a service fee.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $19.50.

Additional fees you may encounter

If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement costs $19.50. This is less than a full renewal because you are not extending the expiration date — you are straightforward getting a new card with the same information.

If you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license), that also costs $19.50. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home or in a safe place while carrying the original.

Changing your name or address on your license without renewing it costs $7. You can do this by mail or in person. If you are renewing at the same time, the change is included in the renewal fee.

If you fail the written test and need to retake it, there is no fee to test again — you only pay if you pass and receive a new license. However, if you are taking the test as part of a new license process and fail, you will need to return and test again, which may require another appointment.

How to pay and where to go

Tennessee Driver Services accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. Online renewals and mail-in applications require a credit or debit card. You cannot pay with a personal check online.

You can renew your license at any of Tennessee's 82 Driver Services offices. Find the nearest one and check hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

If you renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services portal, you will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or license suspensions.

Real ID vs. standard license: what you need to know

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Tennessee driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you fly or visit a federal courthouse, post office, or military base, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or a military ID.

The Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs $5 more than a standard license ($32.50 instead of $27.50) because the process requires proof of citizenship or legal residency.

To get a Real ID, you must bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online — you must explore in person at a Driver Services office.

License expiration and when to renew

Adult licenses expire eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or online, but only if it expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license in person and may need to retake the written test.

Tennessee sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive one, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement.

Discounts and fee waivers

Tennessee does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on age, income, or other factors. The fee is the same whether you are renewing for the first time or the tenth time.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and need to change your address on your license without revealing your new location, contact a Driver Services office directly. They can help you update your record while protecting your privacy, though the standard $7 change fee still applies.

Military members and veterans do not receive a discount on license fees, but they can use a military ID as an alternative form of identification for federal purposes, which means they do not need to pay for a Real ID license if they do not want to.

What happens if you do not renew on time

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Tennessee. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined. The fine varies depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have other violations.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must go to a Driver Services office in person, pass the written test again, and pay the full license fee. This is why renewing before expiration is important.

If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, check the expiration date on the front of your card. You can also call your local Driver Services office to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license online if I have a Real ID?

No. Real ID licenses can only be renewed in person at a Driver Services office because you must present original documents proving citizenship or residency. Standard licenses can be renewed online if they are not expired and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions.

What if I move out of Tennessee — do I need to get a new license?

No, you do not need to get a new license when ready. Your Tennessee license remains valid until it expires. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.

Is there a fee to take the written driving test?

No. The written test is free. You only pay the license fee if you pass the test and receive your license. If you fail and retake the test, there is no charge for the retest.

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew early?

Yes. Whether you renew one month before expiration or one year before, the fee is the same: $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for Real ID. The new license will be valid for the full eight years (or four years for minors) from the date of renewal.

What if my license was suspended — can I still renew it?

No. You cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or by other methods.