Renewing Your Tennessee License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to visit a location, or in person at any Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or photograph.
Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photograph, or if you are changing your address.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee allows online renewal only if your license is not yet expired and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, mailed to the address on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need a new photograph.
- The renewal fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- Tennessee does not require a vision test for renewal unless you are renewing in person and the examiner determines one is necessary.
Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps
To renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website, your license must not be expired, your address must match the one on file, and you must have a valid email address. You will also need your Tennessee license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Visit the Tennessee Driver Services online renewal portal and enter your license number and Social Security information. Review your current information, confirm or update your name and address if allowed, and select your license type and term length. Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email, and your renewed license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is valid only for standard driver's licenses and learner permits. You cannot renew a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a license that requires a medical certificate online.
Mail Renewal: Forms, Fees, and Timeline
Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL 43, which you can read from the Tennessee Driver Services website or request by calling 615-741-3054. You will also need to include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on your renewal notice or on the Driver Services website. Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Tennessee receives your materials. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided.
Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit an office during business hours or if you prefer to handle the transaction by post. However, you cannot change your photograph by mail, and if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. If your address has changed, bring the new proof of residency.
You will have your photograph taken at the office unless you are renewing a license that does not require a new photo. A vision screening is performed at the time of renewal. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are changing your address and did not do so online, or if you need a new photograph. Most Driver Services offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Tennessee Driver Services website for office hours and locations near you.
Renewal Fees and License Term Options
Tennessee offers two renewal term lengths: four years for $27.50 and eight years for $55. You choose the term length when you renew, whether online, by mail, or in person. The fee is the same regardless of renewal method.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options.
If you renew before your license expires, your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date of renewal. If you renew after your license has expired, the new expiration date is still four or eight years from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year
If your Tennessee license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
You will be required to take a vision screening and have a new photograph taken. You may also be asked to retake a written test or road test depending on how long your license has been expired and the circumstances of the expiration. Contact your local Driver Services office before visiting to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
Address Changes and License Updates
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. Online renewal allows you to change your address during the renewal process if you have not already done so. If you renew by mail, include proof of your new address with your renewal materials. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address to the office.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government check, or other official document showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you need to change your address without renewing your license, you can do so online through the Tennessee Driver Services website or in person at any Driver Services office. Address changes made online are processed within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if it has been expired for six months?
Yes. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew online if your address has not changed, by mail, or in person. You do not need to retake any tests. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days from the date Tennessee processes your renewal. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license is mailed within the same timeframe. Processing times may be longer during peak renewal periods.
Do I need a new photograph when I renew my Tennessee license?
A new photograph is required at in-person renewal. Online and mail renewals do not include a new photograph unless you specifically request one. If you want a new photograph but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. Contact your local Driver Services office or visit the Tennessee Driver Services website for information about replacement licenses. A replacement is different from a renewal and may have different requirements and fees.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to provide your current CDL, proof of residency, and medical certificate if required. Contact your local office for specific requirements and any tests you may need to take.