Tennessee driver licenses renew through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or at a local Driver Services office

Tennessee gives you two main paths to renew: online through the state website, or in person at a Driver Services office. The online route is faster and works if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. If you cannot renew online, or prefer to renew in person, you can walk into any Driver Services location with the right documents and complete it the same day.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you will need for online renewal. If you lose the notice, you can still renew online using your driver license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no disqualifying violations, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Tennessee Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering extended hours; you do not need an appointment.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you receive it when ready if you renew in person.

Renewing online through the state website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your renewal number from your notice in the mail, or your driver license number and date of birth. The system will ask for your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past three years, you have not had your license suspended or revoked, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you that you must renew in person.

The fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card. After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office with your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.

You do not need an appointment. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations stay open until 6 p.m. on certain days. Wait times vary by location and time of day; arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee. You will receive your new license on the spot. The cost is the same as online renewal: $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates Driver Services offices in every county. Use the office locator on the state website to find the address, phone number, and hours for the location nearest you. Some counties have more than one office.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, you can call ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and a quick call can help you plan when to go. The main office in Nashville handles walk-ins but also handles complex cases, so it may have longer waits during peak hours.

What happens if your license has already expired

You cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

An expired license does not prevent you from renewing; it just means you must do it at an office rather than online. The fee is the same. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to pass a vision test or written test depending on your age and how long it has been expired. Call your local Driver Services office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your medical certificate if your CDL requires one.

The renewal process is the same as for a regular license, but the office staff will verify that your medical certification is current. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it before you can renew your CDL. Your doctor or a certified medical examiner can issue a new certificate. The cost to renew a CDL is the same as a regular license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must renew in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office, and you must provide proof of a Tennessee address. If you have moved out of state, you should transfer your license to your new state rather than renew your Tennessee license. Contact your new state's DMV for instructions.

What if I want to change my name or address during renewal?

If you want to change your address, you can do so during online renewal. If you want to change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The staff will update your information and issue a new license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you need your new license sooner, renew in person at a Driver Services office and you will receive it when ready.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the staff will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.

What if the online system says I cannot renew online?

The system will reject your online renewal if you have certain violations, a suspended or revoked license, or if your name or address has changed. Go to a Driver Services office in person with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The staff can renew you in person and explain why online renewal was not available.