Tennessee Driver's License Renewal Locations

In Tennessee, you renew your driver's license at a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. These offices are spread across the state, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. You do not have to renew at the office where you originally got your license — any Driver Services location will process your renewal.

Tennessee has about 70 Driver Services offices statewide. The largest cities — Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga — have multiple locations. Smaller towns and rural areas are served by regional offices that cover several counties. If you live far from a Driver Services office, you may be able to renew by mail under certain conditions, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee Driver Services offices are located in every county or region, and you can renew at any location regardless of where you live or originally got your license.
  • Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering extended hours or Saturday appointments in larger cities.
  • You can find the nearest office and current hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or zip code.
  • If you meet age and medical requirements, you may renew by mail without visiting an office, which takes longer but saves a trip.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any required medical forms before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Finding Your Nearest Driver Services Office

The fastest way to find a Driver Services office near you is to visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool. You enter your county or zip code, and the tool shows you all nearby locations, their hours, and phone numbers. This is more reliable than searching online, because hours change and some offices close for lunch or state holidays.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the main Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-8590. They can tell you which office is closest to you and whether it has current wait times posted. Some offices in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville post live wait times online, so you can check before you go.

Office Hours and What to Expect

Most Tennessee Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices in larger cities stay open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays, and a few offer Saturday hours. A handful of locations are open on Saturday mornings, usually in Nashville and Memphis, but these fill up quickly.

Wait times depend on the office and the time you arrive. Early morning (right when the office opens) and mid-afternoon tend to be less crowded than lunch hours or late morning. If you go on a Monday or Friday, expect longer waits than mid-week. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

What to Bring to Your Renewal Appointment

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, even if it is expired. You also need one form of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID that shows your current address (such as a passport with a recent address change) also works.

If you are renewing a standard license and have no medical restrictions, that is all you need. If you are over 60 or renewing a commercial license, you may need a medical form signed by your doctor — check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go, because requirements depend on your age and license type. Bring your Social Security number or card as well.

Renewing by Mail in Tennessee

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions: you must be between 18 and 60 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and not have any outstanding violations or suspensions. Your license must not be expired by more than one year. If you meet these requirements, you can request a mail renewal form from any Driver Services office or read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives your completed form and payment. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you provide. This option is useful if you live far from an office or have a busy schedule, but it takes longer than an in-person renewal, which is usually processed the same day.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The cost of renewing your Tennessee driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A standard 5-year renewal costs $27.50. An 8-year renewal costs $44. Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. Online payment is not available for renewals — you must pay in person or by mail.

If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. The office will not process your renewal until payment is received.

Special Situations: Commercial Licenses and Endorsements

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail and must visit a Driver Services office in person. You will need to pass a written test and a medical examination. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and a valid medical certificate signed by a certified medical examiner. CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals, so plan for extra time.

If your license has endorsements (such as for hazardous materials or passenger transport), you may need to pass additional tests or provide updated medical forms. Call your local Driver Services office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at any Driver Services office, or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can renew at any Driver Services office in Tennessee, regardless of which county you live in or where you originally got your license. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

What happens if my license is already expired?

You can still renew at a Driver Services office. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew in person or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test — call ahead to confirm.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in Tennessee?

Most Driver Services offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. A few locations in Nashville and Memphis offer appointment scheduling online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the office locator tool on the Tennessee Department of Safety website to see if appointments are available at your nearest location.

How long does an in-person renewal take?

An in-person renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license the same day. If the office is very busy, it may take longer, so arriving early or going mid-week can help.

What if I cannot find a Driver Services office near me?

Tennessee has offices in or near every county. If you live in a very rural area, the nearest office may be 30 to 60 minutes away. Call 615-251-8590 to find the closest location and ask about mail renewal — if you meet the age and medical requirements, renewing by mail may be your best option.