Where to renew your license in Knoxville
In Knoxville, you renew your Tennessee driver's license at a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main location is the Knoxville Driver Services Center, located at 3148 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. This is the busiest office in the area, so expect wait times, especially on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
You can also renew at the Knox County Clerk's office satellite location if you prefer a smaller facility with shorter lines. However, not all services are available at every satellite office, so call ahead to confirm they handle renewals before you go.
Tennessee also offers online renewal for some drivers, which we cover below. If you are not yet may be able to access for online renewal, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not more than two years expired.
- In-person renewal at the Knoxville Driver Services Center requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by cash, check, or card.
- A standard renewal takes about 15 minutes once you are called, but wait times at the main Knoxville location often run 30 minutes to over an hour.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your receipt as a temporary license until it arrives.
- Renewal fees in Tennessee are $28 for a four-year license or $58 for an eight-year license, with no difference in cost between in-person and online renewal.
Renewing online from home
Tennessee allows online renewal through the Department of Safety website if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have medical restrictions noted on your current license, and your license cannot be more than two years expired. If all three conditions explore to you, online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
To renew online, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license ships to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the online requirements—for example, if your license is suspended or expired by more than two years—you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
What to bring for in-person renewal
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Knoxville address. A government-issued ID with your address also works.
You do not need to bring proof of Social Security number or citizenship for a standard renewal—Tennessee already has this information on file. However, if you are renewing after a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Bring a payment method: cash, check, or debit or credit card. The renewal fee is $28 for a four-year license or $58 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you complete your process at the counter.
Steps to renew in person at the Knoxville Driver Services Center
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. Wait until your number is called, then approach the counter. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license. The clerk will ask you to confirm your address and any other information that has changed since your last renewal.
You will fill out a short form (DL 43) confirming your information and selecting your license term. The clerk will take your photo and scan your documents. You then pay the renewal fee and receive a receipt. Your receipt is valid as a temporary license until your new card arrives by mail.
The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. However, wait times to reach the counter vary widely. The Knoxville Driver Services Center is typically less crowded on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings before 11 a.m.
How long renewal takes and when your new license arrives
Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your receipt serves as proof that you have renewed. You can drive legally with your receipt and old license until your new card arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Knoxville Driver Services Center at (865) 594-6600 to check the status. Occasionally, mail is delayed or an address error causes a license to be returned. The center can reissue your license or correct your address if needed.
Renewing a license that is expired or suspended
If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew online and must visit the Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at (615) 251-5221 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Once the underlying issue is resolved, you can renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it still lasts four or eight years from the date of issue.
What if I have moved since my last renewal?
Bring your new proof of residency showing your current Knoxville address. The clerk will update your address during renewal. If you moved out of state and are now back in Tennessee, you may need to provide additional documentation, so call the Knoxville Driver Services Center first.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Knoxville Driver Services Center?
No appointment is required. You take a number when you arrive and wait to be called. However, you can check wait times online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go, which helps you choose the best time to visit.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a document showing your legal name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Tennessee does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online (if you meet the requirements) or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not may be able to access for in-person renewal.