Where to renew your license in Murfreesboro

In Murfreesboro, you renew your driver license at the Rutherford County Driver Services office, located at 1 Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. This is the only full-service location in the city where you can handle renewals in person. The office is inside the Rutherford County Courthouse building, which sits in downtown Murfreesboro.

You can also renew by mail or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, which serves all counties including Rutherford. The in-person office is best if you need your new license quickly, have vision or medical issues that require testing, or prefer to handle everything in one visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew in person at the Rutherford County Driver Services office at 1 Public Square, downtown Murfreesboro, during business hours Monday through Friday.
  • You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is not expired and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Standard renewals take about 10 business days by mail; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
  • Renewal fees are $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license in Tennessee.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at the Rutherford County office, bring your current Tennessee driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer or school also works if it shows your name and address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have your current license with you, bring a state ID card or passport instead. Bring your original documents or certified copies — the office staff will not accept photocopies for proof of residency.

Renewing online or by mail

Tennessee allows online renewal through the state Department of Safety website if your license is not yet expired and you have no medical conditions, vision restrictions, or other special circumstances on your record. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28 for a four-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in roughly 10 business days.

You can also renew by mail by downloading the DL 43 form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, filling it out, and mailing it with a check or money order and a copy of your proof of residency. Mail renewals take longer — typically two to three weeks — so use this method only if you do not need your new license urgently. Online renewal is faster and requires no paperwork.

In-person renewal at the Rutherford County office

Walk into the Rutherford County Driver Services office during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. Arrive early in the day or mid-week if possible, as mornings and Mondays tend to be busier.

When your number is called, hand your documents to the clerk. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. If your vision is good and you have no medical restrictions, you will not take a written test. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 10 business days.

Vision and medical testing requirements

If you are 65 or older, or if your license has medical or vision restrictions, you may need to pass a vision test at the office. The test is straightforward: you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If your license shows a medical condition — such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses, or a restriction on the type of vehicle you can drive — the office will review your restrictions during renewal. If your condition has changed, tell the clerk. You may need a doctor's letter or a new medical exam form to update your restrictions or remove them.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year driver license renewal costs $28. An eight-year renewal costs $56. These are the standard fees set by the state of Tennessee and do not vary by county. The Rutherford County office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card only.

If you renew by mail, include a check or money order made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep your receipt as proof of payment until your new license arrives.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using the same process — online, by mail, or in person. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to reapply rather than renew. Reapplication requires a new written test, a vision test, and a new photo. You will also need to bring proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport). Go to the Rutherford County office in person to reapply; you cannot do this online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in about 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives in 10 to 14 business days. Do not count weekends or state holidays in this timeline.

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired.

What if I moved to Murfreesboro from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it as a Tennessee license at the Rutherford County office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. You will have a new photo taken and receive your Tennessee license within 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Rutherford County office?

No appointment is required. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait. However, you can call the office at (615) 898-7600 to ask about current wait times before you go, especially if you are visiting during a busy time.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring your current license and a document proving your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will update your name in the system and issue your new license with the correct name. This counts as a renewal, not a reapplication, so you will not need to retake the written test.