How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Tennessee Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The method you choose depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days if you go online or by mail; in-person renewals are processed the same day.

Your Tennessee license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date, which is printed on the front of your card. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person at a Driver Services Center.

Key Takeaways

Tennessee offers online renewal through the state website for most drivers, and you can pay the $27.50 renewal fee by credit or debit card.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is processed when ready.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years — you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.
If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or update your name, some changes can be made online during renewal, while others require an in-person visit.
The renewal fee is $27.50 for a standard five-year license; Real ID licenses cost $32.50.

Online Renewal Through the Tennessee Website

The fastest and most convenient option for most drivers is to renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and allow you to pay the $27.50 renewal fee by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, or if it expired within the last two years. You cannot change your address online during renewal — if you have moved, you must either renew by mail (and include a proof of address document) or visit a Driver Services Center in person. The same restriction applies if you want to add a Real ID endorsement or change your name on your license.

After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license via email that you can print and carry until your new card arrives. Keep your old license until the new one reaches you.

Renewing by Mail

If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or read it from their website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $27.50 payable to the State of Tennessee. Do not send cash.

If you are changing your address, you must include a proof of address document with your mail renewal. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID showing your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the form — typically the Nashville Driver Services Center.

Mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the department receives your packet. There is no way to track your renewal by mail, so allow extra time before your license expires. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive — you will be in violation of state law.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want to add a Real ID endorsement, if you need to change your name, or if you prefer when ready processing. Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in most counties; you can find the location nearest you on the state website. Hours vary by location, and some centers require you to take a new photo and pass a vision test.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 if you want a Real ID endorsement.

In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you will receive your new license before you leave the Driver Services Center. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may have wait times during peak hours. Check the state website for your local center's hours and policies before you visit.

Real ID Endorsement and License Upgrades

Tennessee offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license does not have a Real ID endorsement (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can add one during renewal. The Real ID license costs $32.50 instead of $27.50.

To obtain a Real ID endorsement, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center or explore for a new license. You will need to provide proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity. A valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate all satisfy the identity requirement. The Real ID endorsement is valid for the same five-year period as your standard license.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not include a Real ID endorsement unless your current license already has one. To add the endorsement, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a proof of address document dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID. For in-person renewal, bring the same document and your current license.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot update your name online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all satisfy this requirement. The renewal fee remains $27.50 unless you are also adding a Real ID endorsement.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee. Driving with an expired license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation. If you are renewing by mail or online and your license is about to expire, consider visiting a Driver Services Center in person for when ready processing instead.

If your license has already expired and you need to drive, visit a Driver Services Center when ready. You can renew in person even if your license expired more than two years ago, though the process may take longer if additional documentation is required. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. If you are out of state and your license is about to expire, renew online when ready to avoid driving with an expired license.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person, bring proof of identity and Social Security number, and pay a replacement fee. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee — contact your local Driver Services Center for the current amount.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewals at a Driver Services Center require a new photo. If you want a new photo during an online or mail renewal, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person instead.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the department receives your renewal packet. You will receive a temporary paper license via email if you renew online. If you renew by mail, there is no temporary license — allow extra time before your current license expires.

What if my renewal is rejected or returned?

If you renew by mail and your packet is incomplete or missing required documents, the department will return it to you. Check the state website or contact your local Driver Services Center to confirm you have included everything needed. Resubmit your packet as soon as possible to avoid your license expiring before the renewal is processed.

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.