How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Tennessee

Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but in-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to take a new photo.

Your Tennessee license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date. The state does not charge a late fee if you renew after expiration, but driving on an expired license is illegal, so plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your address and personal information have not changed.
Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your materials.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or name.
The renewal fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license; you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on the renewal method you choose.
You do not need to pass a written or road test to renew unless your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.

Online Renewal Through the Tennessee DMV Website

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid or expired for less than one year, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $27.50 renewal fee. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Visit the Tennessee DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to verify your personal information, confirm your address, and review the renewal terms. After you submit payment, 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.

If the online system rejects your process, it will tell you why — usually because your address has changed, your license is expired by more than one year, or your personal information does not match DMV records. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal works if your license is valid or expired for less than one year and you do not need a new photo. You will need to submit your current license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL 43), and payment of $27.50 by check or money order.

Request Form DL 43 from the Tennessee DMV website, print it, and fill it out by hand or type it. Include your name, date of birth, current address, and signature. Mail your completed form, your current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The DMV will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your materials and mail your new license to the address you provided.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DMV received your package. If your renewal is not processed within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center to confirm receipt.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than one year), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Visit the Tennessee DMV website to find the Driver Services Center nearest you and check its hours. Most centers operate Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the $27.50 renewal fee.

At the center, you will complete a renewal process, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the center is. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the center needs to mail it to you.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

You will not be required to take a written test or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a safety or legal reason. The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee remains $27.50. However, you should not drive until your new license is issued, because operating a vehicle on an expired license is illegal in Tennessee.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you are changing your address, you can update it during online or mail renewal if your license is still valid or expired for less than one year. During online renewal, you will be prompted to confirm or update your address before you submit payment. During mail renewal, write your new address on Form DL 43 and include proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you are changing your name — because of marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee is still $27.50, and you will receive your new license with your updated name on the spot or within a few days.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for an eight-year Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing by mail and your check or money order is lost in the mail, the DMV will contact you to request payment again. There is no additional fee for resubmitting payment. If you are renewing online or in person and your payment is declined, you will be told when ready and can try again with a different card or payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you still have a valid Tennessee address on file or your license is expired for less than one year, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If your address has changed to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center or contact the DMV to update your address before renewing by mail.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

Contact the Tennessee DMV to report your lost license and request a replacement. You can then proceed with renewal once you receive the replacement. Alternatively, you can visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and address, and they can issue a replacement and process your renewal at the same time.

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

Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your request. In-person renewals are usually issued on the spot, though some centers may mail your license if they need additional time. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my license in Tennessee?

No, you do not need to pass a written or road test for a standard renewal. Tests are required only if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing after more than one year of expiration and the DMV determines a test is necessary.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date it is issued, not eight years from your current expiration date.

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.