The fastest way to renew in Tennessee
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your temporary license when ready and your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, mail renewal takes about two weeks, and in-person renewal is same-day if you go early in the day.
To renew online, you must have a valid Tennessee license that is not expired by more than two years, a Social Security number on file with the state, and a valid email address. You'll pay the renewal fee online and receive a temporary digital license you can use right away. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is available if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address or name changes.
- You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online.
- The renewal fee in Tennessee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process and documents to the state, or visit a Driver Services office in person with your documents and payment.
- Your temporary digital license is valid when ready after online renewal, but your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Renewing online through the state website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if you are, you'll proceed to pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that you can read or screenshot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used while you wait for your physical card. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your card or contact the state.
Renewing by mail if you're not may be able to access online
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have a name or address change, you must renew by mail or in person. To renew by mail, read the DL 43 form (process for Renewal of Driver License) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, or request one by calling 615-251-8590.
Fill out the form completely, 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 a document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail your packet to the Tennessee Department of Safety, Driver Services Section, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the state receives your process.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
If you prefer to renew in person, or if you have a name change or address change, visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Arrive early in the day, especially on weekdays, because wait times can be long in the afternoon. You'll complete a DL 43 form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will be issued the same day. To find the office nearest you and check current wait times, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call 615-251-8590.
What documents and fees you'll need
For any renewal method, you'll need to pay the renewal fee: $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. If you're renewing in person or by mail and have a name or address change, you'll also need proof of your current address and, if applicable, a certified document showing your name change.
If you're renewing online, you only need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address — no documents to gather or mail. If you're renewing by mail or in person and your license has been lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to the state before you can renew, and you may need to pay an additional fee for a replacement.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your Tennessee license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Once your driving privileges are restored, you can renew your license using any of the methods above. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call 615-251-8590 or check the status online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if it expired more than two years ago?
Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. Bring or mail your expired license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. The state will process your process and issue a new license.
What if I've moved to a different address since my last renewal?
If you've moved, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Update your address at the same time you renew your license.
How long is my temporary digital license valid?
Your temporary digital license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew online. Your physical license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If your physical card hasn't arrived after 10 business days, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or court-ordered suspension, you must resolve that issue before you can renew. Contact the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out what you need to do.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Renew in person or by mail and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The state will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information.