Where to Renew Your License in Franklin

Franklin residents renew their driver licenses at the Williamson County Driver Services Center, located at 1320 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064. This is the only full-service location in Franklin that handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You can also renew by mail if you meet specific conditions, or through the Tennessee Online Services portal for certain renewal types. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the center receives your process. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition flag on your record in the past five years.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. The center typically has shorter lines early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you want to check current wait times before you go, call the Williamson County Driver Services Center at (615) 790-5600.

Key Takeaways

  • The Williamson County Driver Services Center on West Main Street is the only location in Franklin where you can renew in person, and you do not need an appointment.
  • You must bring your current license, proof of residency, and a completed DL 43 form; if your address has changed, bring a second proof document.
  • Standard renewals cost $27 for an eight-year license; commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements have different fees.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and works only if your license is not expired and you have had no name or address changes.
  • If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current Tennessee driver license to the Williamson County Driver Services Center. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to explore for a replacement instead of a renewal; bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID in that case.

You also need proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your Franklin address. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts. If you have moved within Franklin or to Franklin from another Tennessee county, bring two proofs of residency.

Complete the DL 43 form (process for Renewal of Driver License) before you arrive. You can read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or pick one up at the Driver Services Center. Bring it filled out but unsigned; you will sign it in front of staff.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, bring a second proof of residency document beyond the one you use as your primary proof.

Renewal Fees and License Types

A standard eight-year driver license renewal costs $27. This is the most common renewal type for regular passenger vehicle drivers in Franklin. The license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal.

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), the renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license. CDL renewals require a medical examination form (MCSA-5875) signed by a licensed medical examiner; bring this form with you or have it on file with the state.

If you are renewing a license with a motorcycle endorsement, the endorsement itself is included in the standard $27 renewal fee. You do not need to take a riding test to renew a motorcycle endorsement unless it has been expired for more than one year.

Payment is accepted in cash, check, or debit/credit card at the Driver Services Center. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order payable to the State of Tennessee.

How to Renew by Mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical condition flags or violations on your driving record. Complete the DL 43 form, include a copy of your current license, and enclose a check or money order for $27 made out to the State of Tennessee.

Mail your packet to: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Section, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Include a return envelope with postage. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the state receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail.

Do not use mail renewal if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have had a name change, or if you have moved. In those cases, you must renew in person at the Williamson County Driver Services Center.

Online Renewal Through Tennessee Online Services

Tennessee offers online renewal through its Online Services portal at onlineservices.tn.gov. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address in the past five years, and you have no medical holds or violations flagged on your record.

To renew online, log in with your Tennessee ID or create an account. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and process the renewal. The fee is $27, paid by debit or credit card.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements, because you do not have to travel to Franklin or wait in line.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it at the Williamson County Driver Services Center or by mail using the standard process. Bring the same documents and pay the same $27 fee.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test, vision test, and photograph. This process takes longer and costs more than a renewal. You will also need to bring proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

If you are unsure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. You can also call the Williamson County Driver Services Center at (615) 790-5600 to confirm your status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew online or by mail without checking your record first. Many people discover too late that a name change, address change, or medical flag makes them ineligible. Call the Driver Services Center or check your record status on the Tennessee Online Services portal before you submit a mail or online renewal.

Do not bring an expired utility bill or lease as proof of residency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved, bring a lease agreement or mortgage statement showing your new Franklin address, plus a second proof document if you changed addresses.

Do not sign the DL 43 form before you arrive at the Driver Services Center. Staff must witness your signature. If you mail in a pre-signed form, it will be rejected and returned to you.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early avoids the risk of driving on an expired license, which is a traffic violation in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding warrant, the Driver Services Center will not process your renewal. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the Williamson County Clerk's Office or the court that issued the citation to pay or arrange a payment plan.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Driver Services Center?

No appointment is required. The center accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you can call ahead at (615) 790-5600 to ask about current wait times, especially if you are renewing during lunch hours or late afternoon.

What if I moved out of Franklin but still have a Tennessee license?

If you moved to another Tennessee county, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the may be able to access requirements. If you moved out of Tennessee, you should update your address with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before renewing, or renew in person at the Williamson County Driver Services Center and update your address at that time.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at the Driver Services Center, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the may be able to access requirements. If you have moved permanently out of Tennessee, you should explore for a license in your new state instead of renewing your Tennessee license.