Where to Renew Your License in Knoxville

In Knoxville, you can renew your driver's license at any Knox County Driver Services office. The main office is located at 2985 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919. You can also renew at satellite locations in other Knox County cities, though Knoxville's main office has the longest hours and shortest wait times on most days.

Tennessee also allows online renewal for certain drivers through the state's Drive.tn.gov website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements (explained below). If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.

Before you go, call ahead or check the Knox County Driver Services website for current wait times and hours. Many offices close for lunch between 12 and 1 p.m., and some have reduced hours on Fridays. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through Drive.tn.gov only if your license is not yet expired and you have no medical restrictions or name changes since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a Knox County Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residence, and payment by cash, check, or card.
  • Standard renewal costs $27.50 for an eight-year license; a four-year license costs $16.50.
  • Tennessee licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • If your license is already expired, you must renew in person; online renewal is not available for expired licenses.

Online Renewal Through Drive.tn.gov

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is current. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for an eight-year license.

To renew online, go to Drive.tn.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet any of the requirements above—for example, if your license is expired, you have a medical condition, or you changed your name—you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person.

In-Person Renewal at Knox County Driver Services

If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residence includes a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your insurance company or a credit card statement does not count.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee. Standard renewal is $27.50 for an eight-year license or $16.50 for a four-year license. The office accepts cash, check, or card. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you may be asked to provide the last four digits verbally.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and answer a few questions about your health and driving record. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on wait time. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, ask about expedited mail options when you renew.

Timeline and Expiration Rules

Tennessee driver's licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires—for example, if your birthday is in June 2025, you can renew starting in June 2024. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will still expire on your birthday in 2025.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have already renewed and are waiting for your new license to arrive in the mail.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact Knox County Driver Services at (865) 594-6565 to confirm what you need before you visit.

What Happens If Your License Is Lost or Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it—you must request a replacement. A replacement costs $27.50 (for an eight-year license) and requires you to visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring a police report if your license was stolen; this is not required but can speed up the process.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the damaged license and proof of residence. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Renewing After a Name Change

If you changed your name since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal petition—you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Knox County Driver Services office and bring proof of your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is the same ($27.50 for an eight-year license).

Bring your current license, proof of your name change, and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name within 7 to 10 business days.

Knox County Driver Services Contact Information

The main Knox County Driver Services office is at 2985 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919. Phone: (865) 594-6565. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch break from 12 to 1 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Satellite offices are located in Farragut, Powell, and other Knox County communities. Each has slightly different hours. Check the Knox County Driver Services website or call the main office to find the location and hours nearest you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew. Contact Knox County Driver Services at (865) 594-6565 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring and whether you must test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renewed online or in person. If you need it faster, ask the Driver Services office about expedited mail options when you renew.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

Acceptable proof of residence includes a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact Knox County Driver Services to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew?

No. You do not need to bring your Social Security card. If you renew in person, you may be asked to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number verbally. If you renew online, you will enter the last four digits on the website.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Tennessee does not offer renewal by mail. You can renew online through Drive.tn.gov if you meet the requirements, or you must visit a Knox County Driver Services office in person.