Tennessee Renewal Fees by License Type

Tennessee charges different renewal fees depending on the type of license you hold and how long you want it valid. A standard Class D passenger license costs $27.50 for an eight-year renewal if you are between 21 and 60 years old. If you are under 21 or over 60, the fee is the same but the validity period differs — under 21 licenses expire after four years, and over 60 licenses expire after five years.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) renewals cost $40 for an eight-year renewal, regardless of age. If you need a CDL with hazmat endorsement, you pay the $40 CDL fee plus an additional $7 for the hazmat endorsement, totaling $47. Motorcycle endorsements add $7 to whatever your base license renewal costs.

Tennessee also offers a four-year renewal option for standard Class D licenses, which costs $13.75. This is half the eight-year fee and is useful if you expect your address, name, or other information to change within four years, or if you straightforward prefer to renew more frequently.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Class D license renewal costs $27.50 for eight years or $13.75 for four years, with no difference in price based on age.
  • Commercial Driver Licenses cost $40 for eight years, plus $7 extra if you add or renew a hazmat endorsement.
  • Motorcycle endorsements add $7 to your renewal fee regardless of license type.
  • You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card at any Tennessee Driver Services office or by mail.
  • Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website does not accept payment — you must pay in person or by mail.

How to Pay Your Renewal Fee

Tennessee accepts multiple payment methods at Driver Services offices. You can pay with cash, personal check, money order, or debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Do not send cash through the mail.

If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, you pay at the time you submit your process and documents. The office will give you a receipt showing the amount paid and your transaction number. Keep this receipt until you receive your new license in the mail, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Tennessee does not currently offer online payment for license renewal. Even if you start your renewal process on the Tennessee DMV website, you must complete payment in person at an office or by mailing a check or money order with your process packet.

What Happens If You Renew Early or Late

You can renew your Tennessee license up to six months before it expires without paying an extra fee. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term (four or eight years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means your old expiration date is replaced.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, and the fee remains the same. However, an expired license cannot be used for identification purposes, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date approaching. Tennessee does not charge a late fee or penalty for renewing after expiration, but you should not drive with an expired license.

Renewal by Mail: Additional Costs

Renewing by mail in Tennessee requires you to cover postage for sending your process packet to the Driver Services office. You must also pay for return postage if you want your new license mailed back to you. The renewal fee itself ($27.50 or $13.75 for a standard license) does not change, but add the cost of two stamps or a prepaid return envelope to your total out-of-pocket expense.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically 15 to 21 business days from the date the office receives your packet, plus mail transit time in both directions. If you need your license quickly, renewing in person at a Driver Services office is faster and avoids the uncertainty of mail delivery.

Replacement Licenses and Duplicate Fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay a replacement fee of $17.50 instead of the renewal fee. A replacement license is valid for the remainder of your original license's term — it does not extend your expiration date. If your license is damaged but still valid, you can request a duplicate at the same $17.50 cost.

Do not confuse a replacement (for a lost or stolen license) with a renewal (when your license expires). If your license is both expired and lost, you must renew it, not replace it, and you pay the renewal fee ($27.50 or $13.75), not the replacement fee.

Fees for License Modifications and Endorsements

Adding or changing endorsements during renewal costs extra. A motorcycle endorsement adds $7 to your renewal fee. A hazmat endorsement on a CDL adds $7. If you need to add a passenger endorsement (P) or school bus endorsement (S) to an existing CDL, you typically pay a modification fee of $7 per endorsement, though this is applied at the time of renewal or modification.

Removing an endorsement does not reduce your renewal fee — you still pay the full renewal cost for your license type. If you are unsure whether you need an endorsement or want to remove one, contact a Driver Services office before renewing to confirm the fee impact.

Where to Find Current Fee Information

Tennessee's official fee schedule is published by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security on their website at tn.gov/safety. The site lists all current fees for renewals, replacements, endorsements, and other services. Fees can change, so check the official site before you renew if more than a year has passed since you last reviewed the cost.

You can also call any Tennessee Driver Services office directly to confirm the current fee for your license type. Office phone numbers are listed on the Department of Safety website, organized by county. Staff can answer questions about payment methods, mail renewal, and whether you are may be able to access for any fee waivers or reductions based on your age or military status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee online?

No. Tennessee does not accept online payment for license renewal. You must pay in person at a Driver Services office or by mailing a check or money order with your process. Some offices may accept payment by phone for mail renewals — call ahead to ask.

What if I renew my license but it arrives damaged?

Contact the Driver Services office where you renewed and request a replacement at no additional cost. Bring your damaged license and proof of your renewal transaction (your receipt). A replacement issued due to damage within 30 days of renewal is typically free.

Do military members or seniors get a discount on renewal fees?

Tennessee does not offer a reduced renewal fee for military members or seniors. However, some seniors (age 65 and older) may be issued a license valid for longer periods at no extra cost — contact your local Driver Services office to learn what applies to you.

Can I pay for someone else's renewal?

Yes. If you are renewing by mail, you can send payment with their process. If renewing in person, the license holder must be present to sign the process, but you can pay the fee on their behalf at the office.

What if I lose my receipt after paying for renewal?

You can request a duplicate receipt from the Driver Services office where you paid. Bring your ID and the approximate date of your renewal. The office can look up your transaction and print a new receipt if needed.