How to renew your Tennessee driver's license
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time and you do not have to visit an office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is when ready if you are may be able to access. You are may be able to access to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
Tennessee sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which method you can use. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — just contact a Driver Services office or check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to confirm your may be able to access before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is the fastest option and takes effect when ready if you are may be able to access.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and the renewal form to the address on your notice; processing takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is necessary if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years ago.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and tells you which methods are available to you.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through the Tennessee website
Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, find the Driver License Renewal section, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $27.50 for a five-year renewal.
Your new license is valid when ready after you complete the transaction online. You do not receive a physical card right away — Tennessee mails it to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can print a temporary license from the website to carry with you.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if your current license expired more than two years ago. If any of these explore to you, renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal is straightforward if you have your renewal notice. Sign the back of your current license, fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, and mail both to the address printed on the notice along with the renewal fee. The fee is $27.50 for a five-year renewal. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time Tennessee receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive during this time, you can request a temporary license by phone or in person at a Driver Services office.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the Driver Services customer service line or by visiting a Driver Services office. You can also renew online instead if you are may be able to access, which avoids the mail delay altogether.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Visit a Driver Services office if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and the renewal fee of $27.50. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.
Processing at an office is usually quick — most renewals take 15 to 30 minutes. You receive your new license on the spot, so you can drive home with it when ready. Office hours vary by location, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name, or if your current license expired more than two years ago. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using any method — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a regular renewal, and you pay the standard $27.50 fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and bring proof of residency. The fee is still $27.50 for a five-year license.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Driver Services office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Fees and payment methods for Tennessee renewal
The renewal fee for a five-year Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. This is the standard fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
If you renew online, the fee is charged to your card when ready. If you renew by mail, include the fee with your envelope. If you renew in person, you pay at the office when you complete your transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your current license and proof of residency.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes about two weeks from the time Tennessee receives your envelope. This includes processing time at the office plus mailing time to your address. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license from a Driver Services office.
What do I do if I never received my renewal notice?
Call the Driver Services customer service line or visit a Driver Services office to request a duplicate notice. You can also renew online if you are may be able to access — you do not need the notice to renew online, just your license number and Social Security number.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact a Driver Services office to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it before you can renew.