Tennessee lets you renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few other conditions
Tennessee's online renewal system, called DRIVE Online, lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a Driver Services office. You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to six months after it expires. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $27.50, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or commercial), update your name, or correct information on your license. If any of those explore to you, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online either — you will need to explore for a new license at an office, which involves a vision test and new photograph.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through DRIVE Online if your current license is valid and not suspended, and you do not need to change your address or personal information.
- Online renewal costs $27.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
- You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than six months, suspended, or if you need to add endorsements or correct your name.
- 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.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into DRIVE Online. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, which appears on the front of your card. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth.
Have a payment method ready. Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The $27.50 fee covers the license renewal only — there are no additional hidden fees.
Make sure the address on file with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is where you want your new license mailed. If you need to change your address, you cannot do it online; you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
Steps to renew your license through DRIVE Online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the DRIVE Online option. You will be taken to a find login page. Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to create or access your account.
Review the information on your license. The system will show your name, date of birth, address, and license class. If anything is incorrect, stop here — you cannot fix it online. You will need to visit a Driver Services office instead.
Confirm that your address is correct and that you do not need to add endorsements or change any license class information. If everything matches what you want on your new license, proceed to the payment screen.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
When your new license will arrive and what to do if it does not
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline begins after your payment is processed, not on the day you submit your renewal. Mail delivery times vary depending on where you live in Tennessee.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, check your confirmation email for a tracking number or reference ID. You can contact the Tennessee Driver Services help line at 615-251-5221 to ask about the status of your renewal. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact Driver Services when ready. You may be able to request a replacement at no charge if the error was made by the state.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office staff will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before you can renew. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.
If you need to change your address, add a motorcycle endorsement, or correct your name, visit a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed for the change you are making. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires a vision test and a new photograph. You can only do this at a Driver Services office.
How to find a Tennessee Driver Services office near you
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates Driver Services offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the department's website and using the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see hours, address, and phone number.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead before you go, especially if you live in a large city where offices can have long wait times. Some offices have shorter wait times during mid-week mornings or early afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license online if it is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office can tell you what steps you need to take to lift the suspension before you can renew your license.
What happens if I submit my online renewal but my license is actually suspended?
The system will reject your renewal during the verification step. You will see an error message telling you that your license cannot be renewed online. Contact Driver Services at 615-251-5221 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do next.
Can I renew online if I moved to a new address?
No. If you need to change your address, you must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. You cannot change your address through DRIVE Online.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If it takes longer, contact Driver Services with your confirmation number.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives by mail?
Tennessee does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can carry your old license and your confirmation email as proof that you have renewed. Some law enforcement officers will accept this, but it is not may provide.