How to Renew Your Driver's License in Nashville, Tennessee

Renewing Your Tennessee Driver's License in Nashville

In Nashville, you renew your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), which operates the Driver Services division. You can renew in person at a Nashville Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update information like your address or medical conditions.

Tennessee allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses that are not expired or expired less than two years, provided you have no medical restrictions and your address has not changed. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Mail renewal is available but slower than in-person or online options.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.
In-person renewal at a Nashville Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person with the same documents as a first-time applicant.
Nashville has three Driver Services locations: the main office on Stewarts Ferry Pike, the office on Murfreesboro Pike, and the office on Dickerson Pike.
You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Tennessee.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option for Most Drivers

Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website is the quickest method if your license is current or expired less than two years and you have no medical restrictions. You do not need to visit an office or mail documents. The process takes about 10 minutes on the state's website, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you need your current driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid email address. You will also need a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The state charges $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have medical restrictions that require a doctor's statement, if you need to change your name, or if you want to update your address. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a Nashville Driver Services Office

Renewing in person at a Nashville Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and allows you to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or address.

Nashville has three Driver Services locations. The main office is at 1150 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. The second location is at 2081 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217. The third is at 2800 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207. All three offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sundays and state holidays). Arrive early or during mid-week to avoid long wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current CDL and any required medical certificates.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Tennessee requires specific documents for in-person renewal. You must bring your current driver's license and one form of valid identification. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have your current license with you, bring two forms of ID instead.

You also need proof of your current address. The state accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the bill holder confirming you live there, plus the utility bill.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a Social Security card, but you must know your number. If you are renewing a CDL, bring your current CDL, your medical certificate (CDLIS form), and any hazmat endorsement documents if applicable.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. A four-year license costs $27 and an eight-year license costs $54 when renewing online or in person. If you renew by mail, add $5 to the fee for postage and handling. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or check (in-person only).

Your new license becomes valid on the date you renew, not on the expiration date of your old license. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license's expiration date is four or eight years from the renewal date. If your license is already expired, the new license's expiration date is still four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date it expired.

Tennessee does not charge a fee for renewing a license that expired while you were on active military duty outside the United States. Bring your military discharge papers (DD Form 214) or active duty orders to claim this exemption.

Mail Renewal: Slower but Available for Some Drivers

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. To renew by mail, contact the Driver Services office at 615-741-3054 or visit the Tennessee DMV website to request a mail renewal form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $32 (the $27 license fee plus $5 for postage), and mail it to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the state receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. This method is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage unless you prefer not to visit an office or use a credit card online. Most drivers choose online renewal instead.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired More Than Two Years

If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Nashville Driver Services office and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: a valid ID, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill). You will also need to pass a vision test and may be asked to retake the written test or driving test at the discretion of the examiner.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid legal consequences.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the state may require you to pass a written test and a driving test in addition to the vision test. Contact the Nashville Driver Services office before you visit to confirm what tests you will need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license online if I have a medical restriction?

No. Online renewal is not available if your license has a medical restriction code. You must renew in person at a Nashville Driver Services office. Bring your current license, valid ID, proof of residency, and any required medical documentation from your doctor.

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

You receive a temporary license on the day you renew in person, which is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office at 615-741-3054.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

If you have moved, you must renew in person so the state can update your address. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail during renewal.

Can I renew my license if I owe back child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

Tennessee may suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid court fines. Contact the Driver Services office at 615-741-3054 before you renew to check your status. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the debt before renewal is processed.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person in Nashville?

Appointments are not required, but the state recommends arriving early or visiting mid-week to avoid long waits. You can check wait times at the Nashville Driver Services offices on the Tennessee DMV website before you visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.