How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Tennessee Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Path

Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic conditions. If you cannot renew online, mail and in-person renewal both work, but each has different timelines and document requirements.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a code you will need for online renewal. If you do not have the notice, you can still renew in person or by mail, but you will need to bring or mail original documents instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is not expired and you have your renewal notice code.
Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, payment, and a completed Form DL 43 to the address on the notice; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center requires a valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency; you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
Tennessee does not require a new photo or vision test for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you are over 65 and renewing for the first time.
If your license is already expired, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for expired licenses.

Online Renewal: When It Works and What You Need

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and enter your driver's license number and the code from your renewal notice. You will answer questions about any changes to your address, height, or other information. Payment is by credit or debit card only.

Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have had a name change since your last renewal, if you need a corrected address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired. Your renewal notice will include a prepaid envelope and instructions. Complete the form (usually Form DL 43, which comes with the notice), include your payment, and mail everything to the address shown on the notice.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself typically adds 3 to 5 business days on each end, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. If you are renewing an expired license by mail, include a copy of a valid ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) along with proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $27.50 for four years or $55 for eight years. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the Driver Services Center at 615-251-5221 to request a renewal form, or read Form DL 43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety website and mail it with the same supporting documents.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center

Walk-in renewal is available at any of Tennessee's 73 Driver Services Centers. No appointment is needed at most locations, though some high-traffic centers may have online appointment scheduling available. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (card, W-2, tax return, or bank statement), and proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If your license is expired, bring the same documents. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a CDL, you will need to pass a vision test and medical examination; bring your current medical certificate or be prepared to obtain one on site.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to completion. You will receive your new license on the spot. The cost is the same: $27.50 for four years or $55 for eight years. Most Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for the hours and address of your nearest center.

When You Need a New Photo or Vision Test

Tennessee does not require a new photo or vision test for most renewals. However, you must get a new photo and pass a vision test if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time, or if you are renewing a CDL. In those cases, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

If you are renewing a CDL, you also need a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The Department of Transportation maintains a list of approved examiners on its website. Bring your medical certificate with you when you renew in person, or the Driver Services Center can refer you to an examiner on site.

What Happens If Your License Is Already Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a new photo, a vision test, and proof of Social Security number and residency. The cost is higher than renewal: $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, plus any applicable fees for a new license process.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. Online renewal is not available for any expired license. Bring or mail the same documents as you would for a standard renewal, and the Department will process it as a renewal rather than a new process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license before the renewal notice arrives?

No. Online renewal requires the code from your renewal notice. If you want to renew early by mail or in person, you can do so, but you will need to bring original documents (valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency) instead of using the notice. Call 615-251-5221 to confirm whether the Department will process an early renewal.

What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?

You can still renew in person or by mail. Bring or mail proof of your new Tennessee address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The Department will update your address during the renewal process. If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the transaction.

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

No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you are over 65 renewing for the first time. Standard online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I explore?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days after submission. Mail renewal: 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your envelope, plus 3 to 5 days for mail delivery each way (2 to 3 weeks total). In-person renewal: you receive your license the same day.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

CDL renewals must be done in person at a Driver Services Center. You will need to pass a vision test and provide a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and your medical certificate. Call 615-251-5221 to find a Driver Services Center near you.

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.