Renewing Your License in Memphis

In Memphis, you renew your driver license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). You can renew in person at a local Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online for some renewal types. Most people renew every four or eight years, depending on their license type and age.

The process is straightforward if you know which method works for your situation and what documents to bring. This guide walks you through each option, what to expect at the office, and how to handle renewals if your license is expired or you need to make changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee offers online renewal for standard driver licenses that are not expired and have not been suspended or revoked.
  • In-person renewal at a Memphis Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had violations or address changes since your last renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks after mail renewal.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew in person; online and mail options are not available.

Online Renewal for Valid Licenses

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and has not been suspended. You go to the Tennessee Driver License Online Services portal, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system checks your driving record and tells you when ready whether you can renew online.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. You pay by debit or credit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, you cannot renew online; you must go to a Driver Services office in person to update it.

Online renewal works only for standard Class D driver licenses. If you hold a commercial license (CDL), motorcycle endorsement, or other special license type, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a Memphis Driver Services Office

The main Driver Services office in Memphis is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded early in the morning or mid-week.

Bring your current driver license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The renewal process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to photo. You will answer questions about your health and driving history, take a new photo, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal (Limited Availability)

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have had no violations or suspensions since your last renewal, and your address has not changed. You request a mail renewal form from the Tennessee Driver License Online Services portal or by calling the Driver Services office at 901-465-8500.

Complete the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail the packet to the address provided. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date TDOSHS receives your process. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, call the office before mailing your documents. It is faster to renew in person than to mail an process that does not meet the criteria and have to start over.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

Driver license renewal fees in Tennessee depend on your age and the type of license. A standard Class D license for someone under 65 costs $27 for a four-year renewal or $54 for an eight-year renewal. Drivers 65 and older pay $19 for a four-year renewal. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the current fee when you renew.

You can choose a four-year or eight-year license at renewal. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you renew less often. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at the office, and by card online or mail.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at a Driver Services office using the standard renewal process. Bring the same documents as for a regular renewal. You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Memphis Driver Services office at 901-465-8500 to find out what you need to bring. In some cases, you may also need to provide a new proof of residency if your current address is very different from the one on your expired license.

Address Changes and License Updates

If you move to a new address in Tennessee, you must update your driver license within 30 days. You can update your address online through the Tennessee Driver License Online Services portal if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions. The address change is free and takes a few minutes.

If you cannot update online, go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. Address-only updates do not require a new photo or a new license card; the change is recorded in the system and appears on your next renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Early renewal does not change your expiration date; your new license expires six months after your current one would have.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. Go to a Driver Services office in person with your ID and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee (different from renewal) and receive a new license by mail. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with Memphis Police for your records.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my new one?

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal. If you need to drive before it arrives, renew in person as soon as possible and ask the office staff for an interim license (a temporary paper document valid for 30 days).

Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Tennessee?

Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Tennessee offers Real ID compliant licenses, but they are not required for driving. If you want a Real ID license, bring additional documents (birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency) when you renew. Real ID licenses cost more and are valid for eight years.

What if my vision or health has changed since my last renewal?

Tell the staff member at the Driver Services office about any changes when you renew in person. You may be asked to take a vision test or provide a letter from your doctor. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, Tennessee may issue a license with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only).