The fastest way to renew in Tennessee

Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and your address hasn't changed. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to renew in person.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. Tennessee sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can start the process as soon as the 180-day window opens. If you renew after your license has already expired, you can still do it, but you'll pay a late fee on top of the renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no medical holds.
  • You can start renewing 180 days before your expiration date, and Tennessee will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes the same day or next business day and is required if your address changed, your license is more than one year expired, or you have medical suspensions.
  • Mail renewal is available but takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to send original documents, so most people choose online or in-person instead.
  • Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the renewal date for a standard driver's license.

Renewing online through the Tennessee DMV website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's 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 and confirm that you're may be able to access to renew online.

The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $27.50 if you pay online. You'll enter a credit or debit card to complete payment. Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation number — save this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure it's current before you submit. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center

Visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring the new proof of residency. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

The in-person renewal fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license. You'll have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot or within one business day. In-person renewal is required if your address changed, your license expired more than one year ago, you have medical suspensions on your record, or you want to change your name or gender marker.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 or visiting a Driver Services Center in person. Complete the form and mail it with a copy of your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and a check or money order for $27.50 payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Mail your packet to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date Tennessee receives it. This method is slower than online or in-person renewal and requires you to send original documents through the mail, so most people choose one of the other options. Mail renewal is not available if your license is more than one year expired or if you have medical suspensions.

What to do if your license has already expired

You can still renew after expiration, but you'll pay a late fee in addition to the renewal cost. The late fee depends on how long your license has been expired. If it expired less than one year ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

An expired license is not valid for driving, so do not drive until your new license arrives. If you're stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Driver Services Center in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and proof of Social Security number.

If you want to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status during renewal, you must renew in person. Name changes require a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Gender marker changes require a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a court order. Bring these documents with you to the Driver Services Center.

How long your new license is valid

A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days (online) or 4 to 6 weeks (mail). If you renew in person, you'll receive it the same day or next business day.

Tennessee will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your new license expires, so you'll have plenty of time to plan your next renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Tennessee resident to hold a Tennessee driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to start that process.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a Driver Services Center with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and get a new license. Once you have it, you can renew using any of the three methods.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken. You can request a new photo during online renewal, but you'll have to renew in person instead.

How much does it cost to renew in Tennessee?

The renewal fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license is expired, you'll also pay a late fee that varies based on how long it's been expired. Online renewal is slightly cheaper than in-person because you avoid any potential service fees at the Driver Services Center.

What if my Social Security number is on file with Tennessee but I don't have a card?

You can use other documents as proof of your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. Bring one of these with you to a Driver Services Center if you're renewing in person.