How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Tennessee

Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services Center, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's REAL ID-compliant system. The method you use depends on whether your license is expiring soon, whether you need a REAL ID upgrade, and how long your renewal is valid for. Most Tennessee renewals are valid for eight years, but the timeline and documents required shift based on your age and the type of license you hold.

You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. If you renew before expiration, your new license will be mailed to you; if you wait until after it expires, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

Key Takeaways

Tennessee offers online renewal through the state website for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license has already expired, if you need a REAL ID, or if you are under 21.
The renewal fee is $28.50 for an eight-year license; REAL ID upgrades cost an additional $15.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
Mail-in renewal is available only in limited circumstances and requires a completed process form sent to the Nashville address on the Tennessee DMV website.

Online Renewal Through the Tennessee DMV Website

The fastest and most convenient option for most drivers is online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you are 21 or older, and you do not need to upgrade to a REAL ID or change any information on your license (such as your address or name).

To renew online, visit the Tennessee DMV website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the $28.50 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal does not require you to visit a Driver Services Center or submit any documents by mail.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license online, you cannot complete the transaction online; you must go in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or any other information on your license.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you are under 21, if you need to upgrade to a REAL ID, or if you need to change information on your license. Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in most counties; you can find the location nearest you and check hours on the state DMV website.

Bring the following documents to your appointment: your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

The in-person renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the $28.50 renewal fee at the counter. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, add $15 to that cost. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

REAL ID Upgrade and What It Means

A REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. Tennessee began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017, and as of May 2025, a REAL ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Tennessee license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a REAL ID.

To upgrade to a REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number. The upgrade costs an additional $15 on top of the standard $28.50 renewal fee. Your new REAL ID license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days and will be valid for eight years.

If you do not upgrade to a REAL ID during renewal, your new license will be a standard Tennessee driver's license without the gold star. You can upgrade at any time by visiting a Driver Services Center with the required documents.

Mail-In Renewal (Limited Circumstances)

Tennessee allows mail-in renewal only in specific situations: if you are a Tennessee resident living outside the United States, if you are active military stationed outside Tennessee, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting a Driver Services Center. You must request a mail-in renewal form from the Tennessee DMV by contacting the Nashville office or downloading the form from the state website.

Complete the renewal process form, include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $28.50. Mail processing takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks after the DMV receives your form. Do not mail cash.

Mail-in renewal is not available if your license has expired or if you need a REAL ID upgrade. If either applies to you, you must renew in person or wait until you can visit a Driver Services Center.

Fees, Timeline, and What Happens If You Let Your License Expire

The standard renewal fee in Tennessee is $28.50 for an eight-year license. A REAL ID upgrade costs an additional $15. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or check (in person or by mail). Online renewal accepts only credit or debit cards.

You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If you renew before expiration, your new license will be mailed to you and will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license (not from the date you renew). If you wait until after your license expires, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center, and the new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Tennessee may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. Check with your local Driver Services Center before visiting to confirm whether a test is required in your situation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when you are not may be able to access. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you are 21 or older, and you do not need a REAL ID or any information changes. If you try to renew online and the system rejects your request, you must go in person.

Another frequent error is not bringing the correct documents to a Driver Services Center. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days; an old utility bill or lease will not work. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, bring an original or certified birth certificate, not a photocopy. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your full Social Security number.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renewing before expiration is faster, requires fewer documents, and allows you to continue using your current license while the new one is in the mail. If you let your license expire, you may face a longer process and additional testing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I just moved to the state?

If you recently moved to Tennessee and your out-of-state license has not expired, you can continue using it until expiration. When you renew, you must do so in person at a Driver Services Center and bring proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). Your new Tennessee license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and report the loss. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee (in addition to the renewal fee if your license has expired) and receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew in person or online, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If you renewed by mail, allow an additional 1 to 2 weeks for processing before the license is mailed to you.

Do I have to renew in person if I am over 65?

No. Tennessee does not have a special renewal process for drivers over 65. You can renew online if you meet the standard requirements (your license is not expired, you do not need a REAL ID, and you have no information changes), or you can renew in person at a Driver Services Center.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Tennessee does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines, so you can renew. However, if your license has been suspended for any reason, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact your local Driver Services Center or the Tennessee DMV to check your license status before attempting to renew.

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.