Tennessee driver licenses expire every five or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office

Tennessee issues two types of driver licenses with different expiration schedules. If you are under 65, your license is valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, your license expires every five years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.

The easiest route for most people is online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major changes to your information, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee driver licenses expire every eight years for drivers under 65 and every five years for drivers 65 and older.
  • Online renewal is available through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid credit or debit card.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a completed DL 44 form, and appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times.
  • Mail renewal is an option but takes longer than online or in-person renewal and requires you to send original documents to the state.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Renewing Online Through the Tennessee Website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires only a computer or smartphone with internet access. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

The system will ask you to review your personal information and confirm that nothing has changed. If your address, name, or other details are different, you cannot complete the online process and must renew in person. Once you confirm your information is correct, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Tennessee charges $28.50 for an eight-year renewal (for drivers under 65) or $17.50 for a five-year renewal (for drivers 65 and older).

After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person. Tennessee has offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, so scheduling an appointment online is strongly recommended.

Bring your current driver license, a valid form of ID (such as a passport), and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to complete a DL 44 form, which you can read from the website before you go or fill out at the office.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. The fee is the same as online renewal: $28.50 for eight years or $17.50 for five years. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available but takes longer than the other options. You will need to send your current driver license, a completed DL 44 form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Do not send cash.

Include a copy of your proof of residency with your process. Mail your documents to the address listed on the renewal notice or the department website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the department receives your process, and your new license will be mailed to you after that. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license.

What Information You May Need to Update

If your name, address, or other personal information has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring documents that prove the change, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change.

If you have had a medical condition develop or your vision has changed significantly, you may be required to take a vision test or provide a medical form signed by your doctor. The Driver Services office will let you know if this is necessary when you arrive or when you call ahead.

Timeline and When to Renew

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew as soon as they receive their renewal notice in the mail, which arrives about 60 days before expiration. This gives you plenty of time to complete the process without rushing.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and road test. To avoid this, renew before your license expires or within the two-year grace period.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement instead of waiting for a regular renewal. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as renewal. The fee for a replacement is $28.50 for an eight-year license or $17.50 for a five-year license, the same as renewal.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. When you request a replacement online or in person, you will receive a new license with the same expiration date as your current license, so you are not paying extra for a longer validity period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee driver license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must renew in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office if you have moved out of state, because you no longer have proof of Tennessee residency. If you have moved permanently, you should consider getting a driver license in your new state instead.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license has expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person at a Driver Services office to get your license the same day.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken at the Driver Services office. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a Driver Services office in person instead.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you may receive your license on the spot or it will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if my renewal is rejected online?

If the online system rejects your renewal, it is usually because your information does not match the records on file, your license is suspended or revoked, or your license has been expired for more than two years. Visit a Driver Services office in person with your current ID and proof of residency to complete your renewal.