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 complete the process in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person renewal is done the same day you visit.
Your may be able to access depends on your current license status, how long it's been expired, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renewing before their license expires can use online or mail renewal. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to update your address or name, you'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is available if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address or name since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the state.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before your expiration date.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard 8-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal: the quickest option
To renew online, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and ask you to confirm that your address and name are still correct.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you haven't changed your address or name, and you don't need to update your photo. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete the online process and pay the $28.50 fee by credit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal: when you need more time
To renew by mail, read and print Form DL-43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or request a form by calling 615-251-8590. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.
Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $28.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your old license returned to you. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the state receives your materials. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your renewal to be processed.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visit a Driver Services office if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current driver's license (or an expired license if yours is no longer valid), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you. The renewal fee is $28.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be issued the same day, though you may need to wait a few hours for it to be printed. Find your nearest Driver Services office location on the state website or call 615-251-8590.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a new license process, which means you'll need to provide more documentation than a standard renewal.
Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two forms of proof of your current address. You'll also need to pass a vision screening and have your photo taken. The fee is still $28.50, and your new license will be issued the same day. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies for standard renewal or requires the full process process, call 615-251-8590 before you visit.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and documentation of your name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The office will update your information, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license the same day. The renewal fee remains $28.50. If you've moved out of state and are now a Tennessee resident, you'll need to provide proof of residency along with your out-of-state license.
Documents and fees you'll need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of SSN, date of birth | $28.50 (credit card) | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed Form DL-43, payment | $28.50 (check or money order) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of SSN, proof of address, vision screening | $28.50 (cash, check, or card) | Same day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if it's already expired?
Yes, but it depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than a year ago, you can renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it's been expired for more than a year, you must visit a Driver Services office in person and provide additional documentation.
How long is a Tennessee driver's license valid?
A Tennessee driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it's issued. You can begin the renewal process up to 6 months before your expiration date. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
What if I need to update my photo during renewal?
You can only update your photo by renewing in person at a Driver Services office. Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo. If you want a new photo, visit an office and bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until your renewal is complete.
What if I lose my renewal form or need another copy?
read Form DL-43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-8590 to request a form by mail. You can also pick up a form at any Driver Services office.