How to Renew an Expired Driver's License in Tennessee

What You Need to Do to Renew an Expired Tennessee License

You can renew an expired Tennessee driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and what type of license you hold. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

Tennessee does not charge a penalty fee for renewing an expired license — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license. The state processes most mail and online renewals within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals are typically completed the same day.

Key Takeaways

Mail and online renewal are available only if your license expired within the last five years; licenses expired longer than five years require an in-person visit to a Driver Services Center.
You will need your expired license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid Social Security number to renew.
Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid email address and payment method.
Mail renewal requires you to send your expired license and documents to the address provided by the DMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days plus mail time.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center requires an appointment in most locations; walk-ins are accepted at some centers but wait times vary.

Renewing Online Through the Tennessee DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need your expired license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid email address.

The system will ask you to upload a photo or use an existing photo on file. If you do not have a recent photo in the system, you can take a new one using your phone or computer camera. Tennessee accepts photos taken at home for online renewal. After you submit your information and pay the $27.50 or $55 renewal fee by credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready if you need to drive before the physical card arrives. Print the temporary license or show it on your phone to law enforcement if stopped.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not want to renew online or in person. read the Driver License Renewal by Mail form from the Tennessee DMV website or request one by calling the DMV at 615-741-3054. Complete the form and gather your documents: your expired license, proof of Tennessee residency, and a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Proof of residency must be a recent document (typically dated within 60 days) showing your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government-issued mail. Mail your completed form, expired license, and documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $27.50 (four-year license) or $55 (eight-year license) made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you need your license sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead. The DMV will return your expired license with your new one.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Center

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago. It is also an option if you prefer to renew when ready or if you need a corrected license (for example, if your name or address changed). Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee DMV website and schedule an appointment. Most centers require appointments, though a few accept walk-ins during specific hours.

Bring your expired license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring two documents showing your current address. Bring a valid payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license.

At the center, a staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your appointment, you can use your expired license as long as you are not stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation.

Documents You Must Bring

The documents required for renewal depend on your situation. For all renewal methods, you need your expired Tennessee driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form).

You must also bring proof of Tennessee residency. This must be a document dated within 60 days of your renewal and showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, an insurance policy, or government-issued mail from a state or federal agency. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your address has changed since your license was issued and you are renewing in person, bring two documents showing your new address. If you are renewing by mail or online, the DMV will update your address based on the information you provide in the renewal form or online system.

Fees and Payment Methods

Tennessee charges $27.50 for a four-year driver's license renewal or $55 for an eight-year renewal. There is no additional fee for renewing an expired license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

For online renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some Driver Services Centers may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about what they accept.

What Happens After You Renew

After you complete your renewal, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You will receive a temporary license (either digital for online renewal or paper for in-person renewal) that is valid while you wait for your permanent license. Do not drive without a valid license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Tennessee DMV at 615-741-3054 to check the status. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website or by calling the DMV, and they will remail your license to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?

No. You must have a valid license to drive legally. If you renew online or in person, you will receive a temporary license that is valid while you wait for your permanent license. If you renew by mail, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. Schedule an appointment on the Tennessee DMV website or call 615-741-3054 to find a center near you.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

For online renewal, you can use an existing photo on file or upload a new one taken at home. For mail renewal, you do not submit a photo; the DMV uses the photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

What if my address changed since my license was issued?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal by providing your new address in the renewal form. If you renew in person, bring two documents showing your new address. The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license?

Mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your renewal, plus time for mail to reach you. Online renewals are processed in the same timeframe. In-person renewals are faster if you need your license when ready — you receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

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.