Tennessee driver's license fees by type and renewal

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is the same but the license expires when you turn 21. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32.50 for the same eight-year term and requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers — in addition to the standard documents.

Renewal costs the same as an initial license: $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for Real ID. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online and mail renewals are available if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.

If you need a duplicate license — because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged — the fee is $17.50. A corrected license, issued when you need to fix your name or address, costs $17.50 as well. Both take the same processing time as a new license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for eight years; Real ID costs $32.50 for the same term.
  • Duplicate and corrected licenses cost $17.50 each and are processed at the same speed as new licenses.
  • Renewal costs match the initial license fee and can be done online, by mail, or in person if your license is not suspended.
  • Real ID requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a passport or birth certificate, in addition to standard identification documents.

What documents you need to bring and what they cost

The documents themselves are free if you already have them — a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you need to order a birth certificate from the Tennessee Vital Records office, that costs $15 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you will need to request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. This is free but requires an in-person visit to a local Social Security office and takes about two weeks. You cannot get a driver's license without proof of your Social Security number.

For Real ID, you must also bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence. A U.S. passport costs $130 for an adult first-time book passport (plus $35 execution fee if explore in person), but you may already have one. A certified birth certificate from the state where you were born costs $15 to $25 depending on the state. A naturalization certificate or green card also works for Real ID purposes.

Processing fees and expedited service

Standard processing for a new license or renewal takes five to seven business days if you explore in person. There is no additional fee for this timeline. If you need your license faster, Tennessee offers expedited processing for an extra $15, which reduces the wait to one to two business days.

If you explore by mail, processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the Driver Services office receives your process. Mail-in renewal does not offer expedited service. If you need your license urgently and cannot wait, explore in person with the $15 expedited fee is your only option.

Fees for commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $60 for an eight-year license. This is significantly higher than a standard license because it requires a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination. The medical examination is not included in the $60 fee — you pay a certified medical examiner directly, and costs range from $50 to $150 depending on the provider.

Adding an endorsement to an existing CDL — such as a hazmat endorsement or passenger endorsement — costs $10 per endorsement. Some endorsements require additional testing or background checks, which may have separate fees.

If you hold a standard driver's license and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, the fee is $17.50 and requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test. You can take the skills test at a Driver Services office or through an approved motorcycle safety course, which may charge its own fee (typically $100 to $200).

Fees for permits and learner's licenses

A learner's permit costs $17.50 and is valid for one year. You must pass a written knowledge test to receive one. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, but you must wait at least one day before your second attempt.

A restricted license for drivers under 18 costs $27.50 and has the same eight-year term as an adult license, though it expires when you turn 21. This license comes with restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits unless you hold a valid learner's permit or have completed an approved driver education course.

Additional fees you might encounter

If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other violations, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to restore driving privileges. This is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. You cannot renew your license while it is suspended.

If you fail the written knowledge test, you can retake it the same day at no cost. However, if you fail the skills test (the driving test), you must pay $17.50 to schedule another attempt. You must wait at least one day before retaking the skills test.

If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, a corrected license costs $17.50. You will need to bring the legal document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How to pay and what payment methods are accepted

At a Driver Services office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept checks. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. Mail-in renewals can be paid by check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

If you are paying a reinstatement fee or other outstanding balance, you may be able to pay online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or by phone. Call the Driver Services office to confirm payment methods for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to replace a lost or stolen license?

Yes, a duplicate license costs $17.50. You will need to report the loss to the Driver Services office and provide identification. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Do I have to pay the Real ID fee if I don't need Real ID?

No. You can keep a standard driver's license for $27.50. Real ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.

What happens if I fail the written test — do I have to pay again?

No. You can retake the written test the same day at no cost, but you must wait at least one day before your second attempt. However, if you fail the skills (driving) test, you must pay $17.50 to schedule another attempt.

Can I get a refund if I don't use my license?

No. License fees are non-refundable once issued. If your license is suspended or revoked, you do not get a refund of the remaining term.

Do I have to pay for a medical exam for a standard driver's license?

No. A medical exam is required only for a commercial driver's license (CDL). For a standard license, you do not need one unless you have a medical condition that requires a restriction on your license, which your doctor would report to the Driver Services office.