Tennessee Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Do
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 whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; online renewals are processed the same day. In-person renewals are completed on the spot.
Your Tennessee license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration. Tennessee does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $27.50, but you can only use it if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
- You must pass a vision screening for any in-person renewal, and you may be asked to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than three years.
- Tennessee charges $27.50 for a standard five-year renewal; commercial driver's license renewals cost more and have additional requirements.
Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Unchanged Information
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is available if your current license is not expired, you have not moved, and your name has not changed. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $27.50.
The online system verifies your identity and processes your renewal the same day. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. This method works only for standard driver's licenses; commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements require in-person renewal.
Mail Renewal: Seven to Ten Business Days
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. You will need to complete Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or request by phone at 615-251-8590. Include your current license, a check or money order for $27.50 made payable to the State of Tennessee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. During this time, you may continue to drive on your current license. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the department to confirm receipt of your process.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Center
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your address or name, or you hold a commercial driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $27.50 (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee. You do not need an appointment. Processing time is usually 30 minutes to one hour. You will pass a vision screening and have your photo taken. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may be required to retake the written test. Your new license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license has been expired for less than three years, you can renew it at a Driver Services Center without retaking the written test. You will need to pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the $27.50 fee.
If your license has been expired for three years or longer, you must retake the written test as part of the renewal process. You will also need to pass the vision screening and provide proof of residency. The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Tennessee Driver's Handbook, available free on the Department of Safety website.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Tennessee
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals must be done in person and cannot be completed online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services Center with your current CDL, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The fee for a five-year CDL renewal is $85. You will pass a vision screening, have a new photo taken, and may be required to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
If your CDL includes hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement, you must also pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as part of the renewal. This check is done at the Driver Services Center and may take additional time. Bring your Social Security card and a valid passport or other federal ID for the TSA check.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Tennessee charges $27.50 for a standard five-year driver's license renewal and $85 for a commercial driver's license renewal. Online and mail renewals cost the same; in-person renewals have no additional fee. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewals accept debit or credit card only, mail renewals require check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $27.50 | Same day (mailed in 7–10 days) | Debit or credit card |
| $27.50 | 7–10 business days | Check or money order | |
| In-person (standard license) | $27.50 | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Cash, check, debit card, credit card |
| In-person (CDL) | $85 | 30 minutes to 2 hours | Cash, check, debit card, credit card |
Tennessee does not accept payment by phone or online for mail renewals. If you choose to renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. Make checks payable to "State of Tennessee." Do not send cash through the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The Tennessee Department of Safety will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. You must resolve the fine or suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status and how to pay.
What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your new Tennessee address dated within 90 days, and the $27.50 fee. You will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening. Your new license will show your updated address.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive after your license expires. If you are renewing by mail or online, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person before driving. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Tennessee.
Do I need to take a new written test when I renew?
Only if your license has been expired for three years or longer. If your license is current or expired less than three years, you will not retake the written test. You will still pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken.
Where do I find a Driver Services Center near me?
The Tennessee Department of Safety website lists all Driver Services Centers by county, along with hours and phone numbers. You can also call 615-251-8590 to find the nearest location. Centers are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours; some locations have limited Saturday hours.