How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

How to renew your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at any Driver Services Center. The online route is fastest — you can finish in minutes and your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no appointment. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. If your Tennessee license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. If your address or name has changed, online renewal may not be an option.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $54.50 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 43 sent to the address on the form, takes 15 to 20 business days, and costs the same as online renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need your license when ready.
A REAL ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency — online and mail renewal cannot process these documents.
You must renew in person if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement.

Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Online renewal works only if your license is currently valid or expired less than two years ago, your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. If any of these conditions do not explore, the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost is $27.50 for a four-year license or $54.50 for an eight-year license. You cannot add endorsements, change your address, or update your name through online renewal — those changes require a visit to a Driver Services Center.

Mail renewal using Form DL 43

read or request Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling 615-251-8590. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Do not sign the form until you are ready to mail it — the signature must be recent.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $27.50 (four-year) or $54.50 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license front and back. Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the Department receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation that your form arrived, so keep a copy for your records.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if your name or address has changed since your last renewal. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center

Visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). You do not need an appointment for standard renewal, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the location and time of day.

Bring your license and documents to the counter, tell the clerk you are renewing, and they will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $27.50 for a four-year license or $54.50 for an eight-year license by cash, check, or card. Your renewed license is printed when ready and you can leave with it the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if your name or address has changed. It is also the only option if you need your license when ready.

REAL ID renewal and what documents you need

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current Tennessee license does not have a gold star, you can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal.

REAL ID renewal must be done in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and two forms of proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days). The cost is $27.50 for a four-year REAL ID or $54.50 for an eight-year REAL ID.

If you do not have all required documents, the Driver Services Center will tell you what is missing and you can return once you have gathered them. Do not mail or attempt online renewal if you need REAL ID — those methods cannot process citizenship or residency documents.

What to do if your license expired more than two years ago

If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

The renewal process is the same as a current license renewal — you will have a new photo taken and receive your renewed license when ready. The cost remains $27.50 for a four-year license or $54.50 for an eight-year license. If your expired license was lost or damaged, bring a state ID card or passport instead.

Driver Services Center locations and hours

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, and Johnson City, plus satellite offices in smaller cities. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find the center nearest you and confirm current hours before you go.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings and longest on Friday afternoons and Mondays. If you need your license urgently, call ahead to ask about current wait times — some centers post this information on their websites or answer phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I moved out of state?

No. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center and bring proof of current Tennessee residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead of renewing your Tennessee license.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued ID instead. The clerk will look up your license information and process your renewal the same way.

How long does online renewal actually take from start to finish?

The online form takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Your renewed license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you submit. Total time from process to receiving your license in the mail is usually 10 to 12 business days.

Do I have to renew in person if I changed my name?

Yes. Name changes require in-person renewal and proof of the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this document along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any Driver Services Center.

What happens if I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Tennessee. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. Keep your confirmation number from online renewal or a copy of your mailed form as proof that you have applied, though this does not give you legal permission to drive. If you need your license before your renewal arrives, visit a Driver Services Center for when ready in-person renewal.

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.