How to Renew an Expired Tennessee Driver's License

What to do if your Tennessee driver's license has expired

If your Tennessee driver's license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. Tennessee allows online renewal for most people whose licenses expired within the last five years, but if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

You can drive legally in Tennessee while your renewal is being processed if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process — either a confirmation email for online renewal or a receipt from the mail-in or in-person process. However, law enforcement may still stop you, so carrying that proof is important.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website works for licenses expired within five years and takes about 7 to 10 business days.
Mail-in renewal requires the renewal form DL 43, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your proof of residency.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
You do not need to retake the written or road test to renew an expired license unless Tennessee notifies you that you must.
The renewal fee in Tennessee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, and payment method depends on which renewal route you choose.

Online renewal for licenses expired within five years

The fastest way to renew an expired Tennessee license is through the state DMV website at tn.gov/revenue/driver-services. You can renew online if your license expired no more than five years ago and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. The online system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your driver's license record, such as your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation email. Print or save this email — it serves as proof that you have applied and allows you to drive legally while your new license is being mailed to you. Tennessee typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Your new license will be sent to the address on file unless you update it during the online renewal process.

Mail-in renewal with the DL 43 form

You can renew by mail if your license expired within five years and you do not need to update your photo. read or request the process for Renewal of Driver License or Learner Permit (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee DMV website or pick one up at any Driver Services Center. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your proof of residency with your mail-in process. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. Mail your completed process to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Driver Services Division. Processing time for mail-in renewals is typically 2 to 3 weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail, and your new license will follow within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address and prefer to do so face-to-face. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Visit any Tennessee Driver Services Center during business hours. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Tennessee offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $27.50 or an eight-year license for $55. The choice is yours at the time of renewal. Both are standard driver's licenses with the same driving privileges; the only difference is how long before you need to renew again. If you choose the four-year license, you will renew in 2028; if you choose the eight-year license, you will renew in 2032.

Payment method depends on your renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you and your process will not be processed until payment is received.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license in Tennessee is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation email (for online renewal) or your receipt (for mail-in or in-person renewal) as proof that you have submitted your process. This proof may prevent a citation, but it is not a may provide — the officer has discretion. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires or to complete your renewal process as soon as you realize it has expired.

If you receive a citation for driving with an expired license, the fine is typically $50 to $100, depending on the circumstances and the officer's judgment. A conviction for this violation does not add points to your driving record in Tennessee, but it does create a court record. If you have already received a citation, you can still renew your license through any of the three methods described above; the renewal process itself is not affected by a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I am out of state?

Yes. If you are out of state, use online renewal if your license expired within five years, or mail in the DL 43 form with a check or money order. Both methods work from anywhere. If you need to renew in person and are out of state, you can wait until you return to Tennessee or contact a Driver Services Center to ask about options for your specific situation.

Do I have to retake the written test or road test to renew?

No. Renewing an expired license does not require you to retake any tests. However, if Tennessee has suspended or revoked your license for a separate reason (such as unpaid traffic fines or a DUI conviction), you will need to resolve that issue before you can renew. The DMV will notify you if this applies to you.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have the number?

For online renewal, you will need your license number. If you do not have it, call the Tennessee DMV at 615-741-3054 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number; they can look up your number. For mail-in renewal, include a note with your DL 43 form explaining that your license is lost, and the DMV will locate your record using your name and date of birth.

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

Online and mail-in renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after your process is approved. Processing time before mailing is 2 to 3 weeks for mail-in and 7 to 10 business days for online. In-person renewal is fastest — you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew if my address has changed?

Yes. Online renewal allows you to update your address during the process. For mail-in renewal, write your new address on the DL 43 form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address you provide during the renewal process.

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.