Tennessee lets you renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) website if your license is still valid or expired no more than one year ago, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had a name change since your last license. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $27.50, and you will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended for any reason, if you need to change your address, if you want to add or remove endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement), or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your Tennessee license expired within the last year and has no active suspension.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process.
  • The renewal fee is $27.50 and is paid during the online transaction.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your license is suspended, expired more than one year ago, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the TDSH renewal website: your current Tennessee driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card for the $27.50 fee. You do not need to print anything or upload documents — the online system pulls your information from the state's existing records.

Make sure your address on file with the state is correct. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot update your address online during renewal. You will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person to change your address at the same time you renew.

Step-by-step: completing the online renewal

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to pull up your record. The system will confirm your name, date of birth, and current address as they appear in the state database.

Review the information on the screen. If anything is wrong — your name is misspelled, your date of birth is incorrect, or your address has changed — stop and do not complete the online renewal. You will need to visit a Driver Services Center instead to correct the record before renewing.

If everything is correct, you will answer a few questions about whether you have any medical conditions that would affect your ability to drive safely. Answer honestly; these questions determine whether you can renew online or need to visit in person for a medical evaluation. Then enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

What happens after you submit

Your renewal is processed when ready, but your physical license is printed and mailed from the state facility. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license during this time — there is no gap in your driving privileges.

If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal. Your only option is to visit a Driver Services Center in person and pay for an expedited license, which costs more and takes 2 to 3 business days. Check the TDSH website for the Driver Services Center nearest you and their hours before you go.

When you cannot renew online

If your license has been suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or administrative suspension — you cannot renew online. You must first resolve the suspension by paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a medical evaluation, depending on the reason. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.

If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You will see a message telling you to visit a Driver Services Center. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Renewing in person if online does not work for you

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Driver Services Center. Bring your current license or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $27.50 for a standard license or $35 for an expedited one.

You can find Driver Services Center locations and hours on the TDSH website. Some centers take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying outstanding fines, appearing in court, or completing a medical evaluation, depending on why it was suspended. Once lifted, you can renew online or in person.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address during an online renewal. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time.

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

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the time you complete the online renewal. You can drive on your current license during this time. If you need it faster, you must renew in person and pay for expedited service, which takes 2 to 3 business days.

What if the online system says I cannot renew?

The system will tell you why — usually because your license is suspended, expired more than a year ago, or you have a medical flag. Follow the instructions on screen, which will direct you to a Driver Services Center or tell you what you need to do first.

Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.