What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Tennessee
Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you are renewing a standard Class D license (not a commercial or motorcycle license). You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements, correct your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
The online renewal 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 after approval. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than one year ago and you hold a standard Class D license with no medical restrictions.
- The online renewal costs $27.50 for four years or $55 for eight years, and you pay by credit or debit card during the process.
- You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you need to change your address, name, or add endorsements, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center instead.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into your account. Have your current driver's license and Social Security number ready before you start.
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and confirm that you are may be able to access to renew online. Review all the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is incorrect, stop here and renew in person instead, because you cannot make changes online.
Select your renewal term (four or eight years) and review the fee. Pay using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Do not close your browser until you see the final confirmation screen.
Documents and Information You Need
You need only two pieces of information to renew online: your current Tennessee driver's license number and your Social Security number. You do not need to upload documents, take a new photo, or provide proof of residency. The system uses the information already on file with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
If you have lost your license or cannot locate your license number, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a Driver Services Center and bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents).
When Your New License Arrives and What to Do Until Then
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is approved.
You can legally drive with your expired license until your new license arrives. You do not need to carry the confirmation number or any proof of renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, explain that you have recently renewed and your new license is in the mail. Keep your confirmation email for your records.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 or visit the website to check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number.
Situations That Require In-Person Renewal Instead
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must also renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a school bus endorsement. Any medical suspension, restriction, or notation on your license disqualifies you from online renewal.
If you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements, correct your name due to marriage or legal change, or if your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online process. You will need to visit a Driver Services Center with the appropriate documents for your situation. For address changes, bring proof of residency. For name changes, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For suspensions or revocations, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security first to understand what steps are required before you can renew.
Payment and Fees
Online renewal costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license. These are the standard renewal fees; there are no additional online processing fees. You must pay by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The system processes your payment when ready, and you will see the charge on your statement within one to two business days.
If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to enter a different card. Your renewal will not proceed until payment is successful. If you have questions about the fee or believe you were charged incorrectly, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when you are not may be able to access. Check the may be able to access requirements before you start: your license must not be expired more than one year, you must hold a standard Class D license, and you must have no medical restrictions. If you are unsure, call the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 before you begin.
Another frequent error is closing your browser before the renewal is complete. Stay on the page until you see the final confirmation screen and receive your confirmation number. If you close the browser early, your payment may have been processed but your renewal may not be recorded. If this happens, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number to verify the status.
Do not attempt to renew online if your address, name, or license information is incorrect. The online system cannot change this information, and submitting a renewal with wrong details will delay your new license or cause it to be mailed to the wrong address. If anything on your license is inaccurate, renew in person instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Tennessee allows online renewal only if your license expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. You will need to bring proof of residency and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal process. If you need a new address on your license, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring proof of residency dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the center.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. You can continue driving with your expired license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to check the status.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and licenses with motorcycle or school bus endorsements must be renewed in person at a Driver Services Center. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and any medical certification or other documents required for your endorsement type.
What should I do if my payment was declined during online renewal?
The system will prompt you to enter a different card. Try another credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). If all your cards are declined, you can renew in person at a Driver Services Center and pay by cash, check, or card. If you believe there is an error with your payment, contact your bank or the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590.