Tennessee driver's license renewal steps and timelines
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services Center, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most people are may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you mail your documents; online renewal is when ready once approved.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process as soon as your license is within 6 months of expiration. Tennessee licenses expire on your birthday, and the state sends renewal notices to the address on file, so if you've moved, update your address with the DMV before your notice arrives or it may not reach you.
The cost is $28.50 for a standard 8-year license (or 4 years if you're over 65). You'll pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which renewal method you choose. If you renew online or by mail and your process is denied for any reason, you'll need to visit a Driver Services Center in person to complete the renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee offers online, mail, and in-person renewal, but online and mail are only available if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
- Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration, but you can start renewing as soon as you're within 6 months of your expiration date.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and takes effect when ready; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If you've moved, update your address before renewing or your renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss it.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for an 8-year license, or $14.25 for a 4-year license if you're 65 or older.
Online renewal through the Tennessee DMV website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file.
Online renewal is available only if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, and your address is current. If any of those conditions don't explore, the system will tell you that you must renew in person. You'll pay the $28.50 fee by credit card, and your new license is approved when ready — you can print a temporary license to use while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot remember your driver's license number, you can look it up on the Tennessee DMV website using your Social Security number and date of birth. If the online system rejects your process, you'll receive a message explaining why and instructions to visit a Driver Services Center.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal: your license must be valid, you must have no medical restrictions, and your address must be current. Complete the renewal form (available on the Tennessee DMV website or included in your renewal notice), sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $28.50 to the address listed on the form.
Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though the original is preferred. Mail your renewal package to the address provided in your renewal notice or on the DMV website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your package, and your new license will arrive by mail. If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why and directing you to a Driver Services Center.
Keep a record of when you mail your renewal. If your license expires before your new one arrives and you need to drive, you can print a temporary license from the Tennessee DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth — this temporary license is valid for 30 days.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center
Visit any Tennessee Driver Services Center with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it's not required. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll pay $28.50 by cash, check, money order, or credit card.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, your address has changed, or your online or mail renewal was denied. You'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Driver Services Centers are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one and check hours on the Tennessee DMV website.
Arrive early or check wait times online before you go — some centers get busy during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some centers offer extended hours on certain days; check the DMV website for your local center's schedule.
Address changes and what to do if you've moved
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm your current address; update it at that point. For mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and the clerk will update it during the process.
If you move after you've already submitted an online or mail renewal but before your new license arrives, contact the Tennessee DMV when ready with your new address so your license is mailed to the correct location. You can call the DMV or visit a Driver Services Center to update your address. If your license arrives at your old address, contact the DMV and they can reissue it to your new address.
Suspended or revoked licenses and renewal restrictions
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person. The clerk will check your record and tell you whether the suspension can be lifted as part of the renewal process or whether you need to resolve the underlying issue first (such as paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a suspension period).
Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. If your license is suspended, the DMV will not process a renewal until the suspension is cleared. Contact the Driver Services Center or the Tennessee DMV before you visit to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.
If you have an SR-22 on file (proof of insurance required after certain violations), you can still renew your license, but you must continue to maintain the SR-22 throughout the renewal period. Bring proof of your current SR-22 when you renew in person.
Medical restrictions and corrective lens requirements
If your license has a medical restriction (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only"), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. The clerk may ask you to read a vision chart or answer questions about your medical condition to determine whether the restriction should remain on your new license.
If your vision has improved or your medical condition has changed, tell the clerk during renewal. They can remove or modify restrictions if your current condition supports it. If a restriction is added or changed, the clerk will explain it and your new license will reflect the updated restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license before I get the renewal notice?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person as soon as your license is within 6 months of expiration. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. If you renew early, your new license will expire 8 years (or 4 years if you're 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. Visit a Driver Services Center with proof of your Social Security number and current address. The clerk will issue a replacement license, which counts as your renewal. You'll pay the standard $28.50 renewal fee plus a $7 replacement fee.
How long is my temporary license valid while I wait for my new one?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license hasn't arrived within that time, contact the Tennessee DMV to check the status. Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but delays can happen during busy periods.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
For online and mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. For in-person renewal, the clerk will take a new photo. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives after my old one expires?
Your new license is valid as soon as it's issued, even if it arrives after your old one expires. You can print a temporary license from the Tennessee DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth, and that temporary license is valid for 30 days. Once your permanent license arrives, use that instead.