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

Tennessee issues driver licenses that expire on your birthday in the fifth or eighth year after you receive them. The state offers three ways to renew: online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail if you meet certain requirements, or in person at any Driver Services office. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than a visit to an office, but you must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or address.

The renewal process itself is straightforward once you know which method works for your situation. You will need your current Tennessee driver license number, a valid Social Security number, and a payment method. The fee varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid — typically $27.50 for a five-year renewal or $55 for an eight-year renewal — and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee driver licenses expire on your birthday every five or eight years, and you can check your expiration date on the front of your card.
  • Online renewal through the state website is the fastest option if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than one year and you do not need a new photo, but it takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or personal information.
  • The renewal fee is $27.50 for five years or $55 for eight years, payable by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your Tennessee driver license if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts to enter your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.

The system will verify your information and ask you to review your current license details. If everything is correct, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has already expired.

Mail renewal if your license is not expired by more than one year

You can renew by mail if your Tennessee driver license expired less than one year ago and you do not need to change your photo or address. To renew by mail, print the DL 43 form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or request one by calling the Driver Services office. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your process. You should not drive during this period if your license has already expired. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will have to renew in person instead. Keep your confirmation receipt until your new license arrives so you have proof of your renewal request.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address or legal name. Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Bring the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or within a few days. Wait times at Driver Services offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your Tennessee driver license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted a renewal request. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your online or mail renewal. If you are stopped by police, show them your expired license and your renewal confirmation. However, it is safer to renew before your expiration date so you do not have to carry two documents.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The office may require you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long your license has been expired. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call your local Driver Services office to find out what documents and tests you will need.

Renewing a commercial driver license in Tennessee

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in Tennessee follow different rules than regular driver licenses. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within the last 24 months.

You will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test and road test depending on your CDL class and endorsements. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than for a regular license and varies depending on the class and endorsements. Contact your local Driver Services office or the Tennessee Department of Safety website for the current CDL renewal fee and to schedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee driver license if I have an out-of-state address?

No, you must have a Tennessee address to hold a Tennessee driver license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver license from your new state. If you still have a Tennessee address but are temporarily living elsewhere, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file has not changed.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to report it lost and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The replacement fee is typically $27.50 for a five-year license or $55 for an eight-year license.

How do I know when my Tennessee driver license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver license. It shows the month and year your license expires. You will also receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your license expires, though you should not wait for the notice to renew.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Tennessee may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can check the status of your license on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the issue before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Tennessee Department of Safety for instructions on how to clear the suspension.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.