You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements

Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license through the state's online portal without visiting a Driver Services office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $27.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access if your license is expired or expiring within the next 60 days, you're a Tennessee resident, and your license was not suspended or revoked.

The online renewal system works only for standard license renewals — not for address changes, name changes, or if you need to correct information on your current license. If any of those explore to you, you'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website if your license is expired or expiring within 60 days and has no suspensions or revocations.
  • Online renewal costs $27.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You'll need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or correct license information, you must visit a Driver Services office instead of renewing online.
  • Tennessee does not mail a temporary license after online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the Tennessee Driver Services website to renew online. You'll need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Have your license in front of you so you can enter the information exactly as it appears.

Make sure your mailing address on file is correct. The state will mail your new license to the address listed on your current license. If you've moved since your last renewal, you cannot change your address through the online renewal system — you'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person to update it first, or update it at the same time you renew in person.

The step-by-step renewal process

Go to the Tennessee Driver Services website and look for the online renewal option. You'll be taken to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Review all the details on the screen — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, stop and visit a Driver Services office instead; the online system cannot fix errors. Once you've confirmed everything is accurate, you'll pay the $27.50 renewal fee using your debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

After payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The state will send you a confirmation email as well. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot renew online

You must visit a Driver Services office in person if your license was suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if there are errors on your current license that need to be corrected. The online system also cannot process renewals for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or motorcycle endorsements — those require an in-person visit and may require a new road test.

If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you may still be able to renew online, but Tennessee recommends calling a Driver Services office first to confirm your status. Licenses that have been expired for a very long time sometimes require additional steps or documentation.

What happens after you renew online

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Tennessee does not issue a temporary license or temporary driving permit after online renewal, so you cannot legally drive with your old expired license while you wait for the new one. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to visit a Driver Services office to get a temporary license in person.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one. You can cut it up or shred it — there's no formal process for returning it. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or until your birthday eight years from now, depending on when you renewed).

Troubleshooting common problems

If the online system says you're not may be able to access to renew, the most common reasons are that your license is suspended or revoked, you've had too many address changes recently, or there's a mismatch between the information you entered and what's in the state's database. Double-check that you entered your driver's license number and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license and tax documents. If the problem persists, contact a Driver Services office by phone or visit in person.

If your payment is declined, try a different payment method. Some debit cards and credit cards have fraud protection that blocks online government transactions. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at any Driver Services office instead.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if needed.

Finding a Driver Services office if you need one

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Driver Services website by entering your county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check the office's page before you go. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online to make sure the office is open when you plan to visit.

If you need to renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. Bring a payment method as well — the in-person renewal fee is the same as online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license has any suspension or revocation on it. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to address the suspension first, then renew afterward.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. Update your address at a Driver Services office in person, or visit an office and renew in person at the same time. The state will mail your new license to whatever address is on file when your renewal is processed.

Do I get a temporary license after renewing online?

No. Tennessee does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a Driver Services office in person to get a temporary license.

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

Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive yours within that timeframe, contact a Driver Services office with your confirmation number and they can check the status and remail it if necessary.

Can I renew online if my license has been expired for over a year?

It depends. Tennessee may allow online renewal for very old expired licenses, but the state recommends calling a Driver Services office first to confirm you're still may be able to access. Some very old expirations may require additional steps or documentation.