Renewing Your Tennessee License: The Main Routes
Tennessee gives you three ways to renew your driver's license: by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. Which one you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you have not received it by the time your license is 30 days from expiration, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to request a duplicate.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $54.50 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions.
- Tennessee does not require a vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless your license was suspended or revoked.
- Your renewed license is valid for four or eight years depending on which option you choose at renewal.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is the quickest way to renew if you are within one year of your expiration date and do not need a new photo. You will need your driver's license number, renewal number from your notice, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card.
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. The system will verify your information and process your payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal works if your license is not yet expired or has been expired for less than one year. You will need your renewal notice, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License form (available on the Tennessee Department of Safety website), and payment by check or money order made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Mail your packet to the address listed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible. The office will process your renewal when it receives your packet, which typically takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete.
If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, include a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you are changing your name, you will need to provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want a new photo, if you have a CDL, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test or medical evaluation. Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice, and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online to see if your location takes appointments and what the current wait time is. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to pay the renewal fee.
The in-person renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your health and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal Fees and License Validity
Tennessee offers two renewal periods: four years and eight years. A four-year renewal costs $27.50 online or by mail, and $28.50 in person. An eight-year renewal costs $54.50 online or by mail, and $55.50 in person. The in-person fee is slightly higher because it includes the cost of taking your photo.
You choose which period you want when you renew. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. The four-year option is cheaper but requires you to renew more often. Both are valid choices; it depends on your preference and budget.
Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts debit or credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your license expires, you can still renew it as long as it has been expired for less than one year. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. Once your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may also be required to pass a vision test and written exam as part of your renewal.
If you are unsure whether your license is still within the one-year window, check the expiration date on your license or contact the Tennessee Department of Safety by phone or through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license?
No, commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, renewal notice, proof of address, and payment. You may be required to pass a vision test and medical examination depending on your medical certification status.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety by phone or visit their website to request a duplicate renewal notice. You will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth. They can mail you a new notice or provide your renewal number over the phone so you can renew online when ready.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after processing. Mail renewals take an additional two to three weeks for the office to receive and process your packet before the license is mailed out. In-person renewals are fastest—you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?
Yes, but you cannot do it online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail renewals require you to include this document with your process. In-person renewals require you to bring the original or certified copy to the Driver Services office.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online renewal if the system recognizes your new address. If online renewal does not work, renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.