Renewing your Tennessee driver license in person or by mail
You can renew your Tennessee driver license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $27 for a standard four-year license. Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago, costs $27, and takes two to three weeks.
Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You must choose between visiting a Driver Services office or mailing your process and documents to the state. The method you pick depends on how soon you need the license and whether you want to renew your photo at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and costs $27 for a standard four-year license.
- Mail renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years and takes two to three weeks.
- You will need your current or expired license, proof of Tennessee residency, and a Social Security number to renew.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $27 and require proof of citizenship or legal residency in addition to standard documents.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Walk into any Driver Services office with your current or expired license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number. You will fill out form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver License), pay $27 in cash or card, and have your photo taken. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within five to seven business days, depending on the location.
Bring a document that proves you live in Tennessee, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID is not required for renewal if you already have a valid Tennessee license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead of a standard one, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) or legal residency (visa, work permit, or green card). Real ID licenses cost the same $27 but take longer to arrive by mail.
Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices in rural areas are usually faster than those in Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years
If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail. Send your current or expired license, a completed form DL-43, and a check or money order for $27 to the address on the form. Include proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail your packet to the Driver License Section, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210.
Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you want to change your name or address. In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
Do not send cash through the mail. Pay by check or money order only. Keep a copy of your form DL-43 and proof of mailing in case the packet is lost.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Tennessee license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. You will need to complete form DL-43, pay $27, and have your photo taken. You may also be required to pass a vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, but it is not required. You will need proof of Tennessee residency and your Social Security number. If you do not have your expired license, bring two forms of identification instead, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
Real ID versus standard Tennessee driver license
Tennessee offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or other federal ID.
Both cost $27 and are valid for four years. The difference is in what documents you must bring. For a standard license, you need your current or expired Tennessee license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) or legal residency (visa, work permit, or green card).
Real ID licenses take longer to arrive by mail because the state must verify your citizenship or residency status. If you renew in person, you will receive your standard license on the spot or within five to seven business days. A Real ID license by mail takes two to three weeks or longer.
Driver Services office locations and hours
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Nashville at 1150 Foster Avenue. Regional offices are located in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, and Johnson City, among others. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the one in your county.
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some locations also open on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you go. Wait times are shortest early in the morning and on weekday afternoons.
Documents you need to bring
| Renewal Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Standard license (in person) | Current or expired Tennessee license, proof of residency, Social Security number |
| Standard license (by mail) | Current or expired Tennessee license, proof of residency, form DL-43, check or money order for $27 |
| Real ID license (in person) | Current or expired Tennessee license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal residency, Social Security number |
| Real ID license (by mail) | Current or expired Tennessee license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal residency, form DL-43, check or money order for $27 |
| License expired more than two years (in person only) | Expired license if available, or two forms of ID, proof of residency, Social Security number, vision test may be required |
Proof of residency means a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver license or ID card is not accepted as proof of residency.
Proof of citizenship for Real ID means a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship papers. Proof of legal residency means a visa, work permit, green card, or employment authorization document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Tennessee resident to renew a Tennessee license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Tennessee license to any Driver Services office or destroy it yourself.
What if my name changed since I got my license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name by mail. Bring your expired license, the name change document, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services office?
No. Tennessee does not require appointments for license renewal. Walk in during office hours and wait your turn. Arrive early in the morning or on weekday afternoons to avoid the longest lines.
How long does a renewed Tennessee license last?
A standard Tennessee driver license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your renewal notice will tell you your expiration date. You can renew up to 30 days before your license expires.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Contact them to find out what you owe or what steps you need to take before you can renew.