Tennessee lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online through the state's REAL ID-compliant renewal system if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year renewal or $55 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have changed your address or name, or you have medical conditions listed on your current license, you must renew in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office instead. The same applies if you want to change your photo or if your current license was suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website works only if your license is current or expired less than one year and you have made no changes to your personal information.
- You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online process.
- The renewal fee is $27.50 for four years or $55 for eight years, paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Step-by-step process to renew online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will be directed to enter your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
Review all the information displayed — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your credit card, debit card, or electronic check information. Tennessee does not accept cash or checks mailed in. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Do not throw away your current license. You are legally allowed to drive on it until your new license arrives in the mail. When your new license comes, destroy the old one or return it to a Driver Services office if you prefer.
Who cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, the online system will reject your renewal request. You will need to visit a Driver Services office and bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The in-person process takes longer and may cost more depending on what documents you need to provide.
Address changes also require an in-person visit. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must go to a Driver Services office with proof of your new address. The same rule applies if you have changed your name — you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency.
Medical restrictions on your current license mean you cannot renew online. If you wear glasses or contacts, have hearing loss, or have any other condition noted on your license, you must renew in person so a Driver Services employee can verify that the restriction is still necessary.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of too many points. You must contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.
Call the Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-5221 or visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current license and any documents related to the suspension or revocation (court orders, payment receipts, or completion certificates for required programs). The office will tell you what you owe, what you must complete, and whether you need to take a written or road test before your license can be reinstated.
Payment methods and fees
Tennessee accepts only electronic payment for online renewal: credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, or electronic checks. You cannot pay by cash, check, or money order online. The payment is processed when ready, and you will see a confirmation number on your screen before you leave the website.
A four-year renewal costs $27.50. An eight-year renewal costs $55. These are the only two options available online. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, the fees are the same, but you may have additional costs if you need a duplicate license, a name change, or other services.
Timeline for receiving your new license
After you complete your online renewal and receive your confirmation number, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. This timeline assumes the postal service delivers without delay; weather, holidays, or postal delays can add time.
You do not need to wait for your new license to arrive before you drive. Your current license remains valid until it expires, and you can legally drive on it while your new license is in the mail. Once your new license arrives, keep it in a safe place and destroy or return your old one.
If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your new license, contact Driver Services at 615-251-5221 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether your license has been mailed or if there is a delay.
What happens if you need to make changes before renewing
If you realize you need to update your address, name, or other information before you renew, do not complete the online renewal. Stop and visit a Driver Services office instead. Submitting an online renewal with outdated information locks that information into your new license, and you would have to renew again in person to correct it.
The same applies if you want a new photo. The online system uses your current license photo. If you want a new photo on your renewed license, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license and proof of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license online if it expired two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than 12 months, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if I move to a different state after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-5221 before your new license ships. Provide your new out-of-state address and ask them to update your mailing address. If your license has already been mailed to your old Tennessee address, you may need to arrange forwarding or contact the office to have a duplicate sent to your new address.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not require a Real ID. However, if your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want it to be, you must renew in person and bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Real ID is required for federal air travel and entry to military bases starting May 7, 2025.
What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online — usually because your license is expired by more than one year, you have a medical restriction, or your license has been suspended. If the reason is unclear, call Driver Services at 615-251-5221 and they will explain what you need to do to renew in person.
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Tennessee. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold.