What You Need to Do to Renew in Tennessee
Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must go in person and pass a vision test.
The online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can finish in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes a few hours but is your only choice if your license is expired or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee allows online renewal if your license is valid, has not been suspended, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
- Online renewal costs $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card on the state's website.
- If your license is expired or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center with your current ID and proof of residency.
- Mail renewal is an option for valid licenses but takes four to six weeks, while online renewal typically takes two weeks.
- Tennessee's Driver Services Centers are located in most counties, and you can find your nearest one and check wait times on the state's website.
Renewing Online: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is available if your current license is valid and not suspended. You cannot renew online if you have had a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or certain other violations in the past five years. The state also requires that you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information since your last renewal.
To renew online, go to the Tennessee Driver Services website, create an account or log in, and answer questions about your driving record and personal information. You will upload a new photo or use your existing one from your current license. The fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Online renewal does not give you a temporary license, so if your current license is about to expire, plan ahead. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, which gives you time to receive your new license before the old one runs out.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is slower than online but requires no visit to an office. You can renew by mail if your license is valid and not suspended, and you have not had violations that would disqualify you from online renewal. You will need to request a mail renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or read it from their website.
Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $54 for eight years), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease. Processing takes four to six weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.
Mail renewal is a good choice if you have time and want to avoid a trip to a Driver Services Center. However, you will not have a temporary license during the wait, so make sure your current license does not expire before your new one arrives.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Center
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
At the Driver Services Center, you will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Wait times at Driver Services Centers vary by location and time of day. The state's website shows current wait times for each center, and you can check before you go. Many centers are busiest in the morning and on Fridays, so visiting on a weekday afternoon may be faster. Some centers accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment — check your local center's policy on the website.
Finding Your Nearest Driver Services Center
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the address, hours, and current wait time for your nearest center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show all centers near you.
If you live in a rural area without a nearby center, you may have to travel to the next county. Some centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the website for your specific center's schedule before you go.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your Tennessee driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a Driver Services Center. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
You will take a new photo and pass a vision test, just as you would for a standard renewal. The fee is the same. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, Tennessee may require you to take a written test on traffic laws and road signs in addition to the vision test. Check with your local Driver Services Center about whether a written test is required in your situation.
License Types and Renewal Lengths
Tennessee offers driver's licenses in two lengths: four-year and eight-year. A four-year license costs $27 to renew, and an eight-year license costs $54. You choose which length you want when you renew. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less often.
If you are 65 or older, Tennessee offers a reduced-cost renewal. The state also offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires additional documents, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot get a REAL ID license — you must go in person to a Driver Services Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. To renew in Tennessee, you must be a Tennessee resident. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Tennessee resident, you can renew online or by mail if you are otherwise may be able to access.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must go in person to a Driver Services Center and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The center will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent one.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
No. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal only works if your address and other personal information have not changed since your last renewal.
What if my renewal is denied?
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will tell you why your renewal was denied. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked license, unpaid traffic fines, or a medical condition that affects your ability to drive. If your renewal is denied, contact your local Driver Services Center to find out what you need to do next.