How to renew your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license without visiting a Driver Services office if you meet certain conditions. Tennessee allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired or suspended, and mail renewal is also available in some cases. If you do not meet the online or mail requirements, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use. The easiest path depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you have had any changes to your address or medical information since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires; check that notice first to see which renewal method you can use.
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had address changes.
- Mail renewal is available for some drivers but requires sending documents by post, which takes longer than online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you have had recent address or medical changes.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after renewal; you cannot pick it up at the office.
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
Online renewal is the fastest method if you are allowed to use it. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not moved to a different address, and you have no medical conditions that need to be reported or updated. If any of those things have changed, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
The fee for online renewal is the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal when online is not an option
If you cannot renew online but your license is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail. Your renewal notice will tell you whether mail renewal is available for you. If it is, the notice includes a form and instructions for what documents to send.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the completed renewal form, and payment to the address listed on the notice. Processing takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives your documents, plus mailing time in both directions. Send your documents early if your license will expire soon.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail with tracking so you know when the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal form.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if it is suspended, if you have moved to a new address, or if you have medical conditions to report. You will also need to renew in person if your renewal notice says you are not allowed to use online or mail renewal.
Visit a Driver Services office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have moved, bring proof of your new address. If you have medical information to update, bring documentation from your doctor.
Bring your renewal notice if you have it. Offices are busier at certain times of day and on certain days of the week; calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you choose when to go. Your new license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, not just renewing. Contact a Driver Services office to find out what documents and tests you will need.
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for an expired license. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal.
Fees and payment methods
Tennessee charges a renewal fee that depends on the type of license and how long the new license will be valid. A standard driver's license renewal is typically valid for 5 or 8 years, depending on your age. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online and mail renewal accept debit and credit card payment. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Ask the office which payment methods they take if you are unsure.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find the office closest to you, see their hours, and check current wait times if available.
Some offices are busier than others. If you have a choice of offices, calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you time. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment; check the office's page to see what that location requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Tennessee may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court costs. Check your license status on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you try to renew. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the ticket or fine first, then renew in person at a Driver Services office.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name during the renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days from the time the office processes your request. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, if you are out of state, online renewal is your best option if you are allowed to use it. Mail renewal is also available for some drivers. You cannot renew in person at a Tennessee office unless you are physically present in the state.
What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?
For in-person renewal with an address change, you need proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you do not have any of these, call the Driver Services office to ask what other documents they will accept.