Tennessee Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your form. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Tennessee sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website costs $27.50, takes 10 minutes, and is available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the last two years.
- Mail renewal requires form DL 43 (available on the state website), a check or money order for $27.50, and takes 7 to 10 business days to process.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center requires an appointment booked online and takes about 15 minutes; bring your current license and proof of residency.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a Driver Services Center in person.
- Tennessee does not require a vision test or written exam for standard renewal unless you are over 65 or renewing after a suspension.
Online Renewal: What You Need and How to Do It
Online renewal is open to you if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the last two years, and you do not have any restrictions or suspensions on your record. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Online Services," and choose "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $27.50 fee.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and mailing address. If your address has changed, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step
To renew by mail, read or request form DL 43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill in all required fields — your name, date of birth, current address, and license number. Sign and date the form. Mail it with a check or money order for $27.50 (made payable to "State of Tennessee") to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your form. Mail your form at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap. If you are changing your address, include a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of residency. Without proof of address change, the new license will be mailed to your old address on file.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, you have changed your address, or you have had a suspension or restriction. Book an appointment online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website — walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $27.50 in cash, check, or card.
The appointment typically takes 15 minutes. You will not take a new photo unless your current one is more than 12 years old or you request a new one. If you are over 65, you will take a vision test. Your new license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not process if your address has changed — the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal. For mail renewal, include a proof-of-residency document with your form DL 43. For in-person renewal, bring the same document to your appointment.
If you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, or correct other information on your license, you cannot do this through standard renewal. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with the appropriate supporting documents — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example. Book an appointment online before you go.
Fees and Payment Methods
A four-year driver's license renewal costs $27.50 in Tennessee. Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, and card. There are no additional fees for address changes or standard updates made during renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to take a written exam and vision test, which could result in additional fees. Contact your local Driver Services Center to confirm what you will need before you go.
What Happens If Your License Is Already Expired
Once your license expires, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. You will need to take a vision test and may be required to take a written exam, depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $27.50.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped, you can show the confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mail renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not protect you from a citation. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive legally. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Not unless your current photo is more than 12 years old or you are renewing in person and request a new one. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. In-person renewal will take a new photo only if required by age or if you ask for one.
What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my Tennessee license?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the other requirements (license not expired, no address change in the last two years, no suspensions). However, if you have moved and changed your address, you must use mail or in-person renewal and provide proof of your new address.
Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
No. CDL renewals require an in-person appointment at a Driver Services Center. You will need to take a medical examination, vision test, and written exam. Book your appointment online and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $27.50.