Renew Your Memphis Driver's License at a Local Service Center
In Memphis, you renew your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). You can renew in person at any of the three Memphis-area service centers, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's renewal portal. Most people renew in person because it takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
The three service centers that serve Memphis are located on Poplar Avenue, on Whitehaven Road, and in Germantown. Each one handles renewals during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. You do not need an appointment at any of them, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week tend to be shorter.
Your license must be expired or within six months of expiration to renew it. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew; you must reapply as a new driver, which requires the written test and road test. Check your license's expiration date before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any of the three Memphis TDOSHS service centers, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online through the state portal if you meet residency and age requirements.
- Bring your current license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
- If you renew by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL 43, proof of residency, and a check or money order to the address on the form; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
What Documents You Need to Bring
You must bring your current Tennessee driver's license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, tell the staff member at the service center before you start the renewal process — they will handle it as a replacement rather than a renewal, and the fee and timeline change.
You also need proof of Tennessee residency. The state accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 90 days. A driver's license renewal notice from TDOSHS counts as proof of residency and is often mailed to you before your license expires.
Bring a payment method: cash, check, or debit or credit card. The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. No personal checks are accepted at the service centers — only cash or card.
In-Person Renewal at a Memphis Service Center
Walk into any of the three Memphis service centers with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Tell the staff member you are renewing. They will take your photo, verify your information, and process the renewal. The entire transaction usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your plastic card is being mailed. Your permanent license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact TDOSHS to check the status.
The three Memphis service centers are located at 1414 Poplar Avenue, 3277 Whitehaven Road, and 7640 Wolf River Boulevard in Germantown. All three are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on state holidays. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time — each center posts estimated wait times on the TDOSHS website.
Renewing by Mail or Online
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address. Request Form DL 43 from the TDOSHS website or pick one up at a service center. Fill it out, include your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.
Online renewal is available through the TDOSHS website if you are between 18 and 64 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address, and you have a valid email address. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You pay the renewal fee by card, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Mail renewal and online renewal are slower than in-person renewal and do not give you a temporary license. Use them only if you cannot visit a service center or if your schedule allows the extra wait time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to six months before expiration, and doing so early avoids the rush and gives you time to fix any problems before your current license runs out. If your license has already expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as a new driver.
Do not bring a document that is older than 90 days as proof of residency. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be current. A renewal notice from TDOSHS is an exception and is always accepted, even if it is older.
Do not assume your address is on file correctly. If you moved within Tennessee and have not updated your address with TDOSHS, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address at the service center before you renew, or do it online through the TDOSHS website before you mail in your renewal.
Do not bring a personal check to a service center. Only cash and cards are accepted in person. Personal checks are accepted by mail.
What Happens After You Renew
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after in-person renewal. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and is printed on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
If you renew by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license. Your new card is mailed to you, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can use your current license if it has not yet expired, or you can visit a service center to request a temporary license.
Your new license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you chose at renewal. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew again anytime within six months before that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?
No. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it. You must reapply as a new driver, which requires passing the written test and the road test. Visit a service center to start the reapplication process.
What if I have moved out of Tennessee since my last renewal?
You cannot renew a Tennessee license if you no longer live in Tennessee. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact the DMV or equivalent agency in your current state to begin the process.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
By mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for the card to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent card in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with TDOSHS first. Contact the service center or call TDOSHS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
Bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency. The staff member will update your name during the renewal process at no extra charge.