How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Tennessee renewal works online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license through three different routes, and which one you use depends on how much time you have and whether you need to change information on your license. The fastest option is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not had any major life changes. If you prefer to stay home, you can renew by mail. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to update your address, name, or other details, you will need to go to a Driver Services office in person.

Tennessee licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Starting your renewal early gives you time to handle any problems that come up—like a missing document or a rejected payment—without rushing.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the TDSHHS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to update your personal information.
You can renew your Tennessee license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
The renewal fee varies by license type and age; you can find the exact amount on the TDSHHS website before you start.

Renew online through the TDSHHS website

Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, find the Driver License Renewal section, and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it is still correct.

You can only renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those things have changed, you will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your confirmation number in a safe place. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, you can use that number to check the status on the TDSHHS website or call the Driver Services customer service line.

Renew by mail if you prefer not to visit an office

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no office visit. You will need to complete Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver License), which you can read from the TDSHHS website or request by phone. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form.

Payment must be by check or money order made out to the State of Tennessee. Do not send cash. Include a note with your confirmation number if you have one, or write your driver's license number clearly on the envelope. Mail your packet to the address on the form—it is usually the Driver Services office in Nashville, but confirm the current mailing address before you send anything.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, this is not the right path; use online renewal or visit an office in person instead.

Renew in person at a Driver Services office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to update your photo, or if you are changing your license class or endorsements. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you do not have a current one), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the TDSHHS website and check their hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. If you book an appointment, you will get a specific time slot and usually move through the office faster than walk-in customers. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

At the office, you will fill out an process, have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is valid for 30 days.

What documents and fees you need

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. For online renewal, you only need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth—no physical documents required. For mail renewal, send your current license, the completed Form DL 43, and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Tennessee residency.

Renewal fees vary by age and license type. A standard five-year license for someone under 65 costs less than an eight-year license. Drivers 65 and older pay a different rate. Check the TDSHHS website for the exact fee before you start your renewal, since fees can change. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts debit or credit cards, mail requires check or money order, and in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Services office in person and complete a full process as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed).

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Some offices may require you to take a written knowledge test as well, depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies. The process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan for at least 30 to 45 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Track your renewal status and handle common problems

If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status of your new license on the TDSHHS website using your confirmation number or driver's license number. The status page will tell you whether your process has been received, processed, or mailed. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks of renewal, contact Driver Services by phone or through the website to report it.

Common problems include payment being rejected (usually because the card information was entered incorrectly), documents being lost in the mail, or the office finding an error on your process. If your payment was rejected, the online system will tell you when ready and let you try again. If documents are lost, the office will contact you by phone or mail. If there is an error on your process, you may need to visit an office in person to correct it. Keep your confirmation number and any correspondence from the office until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Tennessee renewal requires proof of current Tennessee residency. If you have moved out of state, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Tennessee license to that state's DMV when you explore for their license.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after your process is processed. Mail renewal by post takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the office to receive and process your packet. Online and in-person renewals are faster because the office processes them when ready.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until it expires. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so renew before your expiration date.

What if I need to change my address during renewal?

You can change your address during in-person renewal. For online renewal, you cannot change your address—you must renew by mail or in person instead. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the process form and include proof of residency at your new address.

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.