What Information Tennessee Puts on Your Driver's License

Yes, Tennessee includes your hair color on your driver's license

Tennessee's driver's license displays your hair color in the physical description section of the card. This information appears alongside your eye color, height, and distinguishing marks. The DMV records the hair color you report when you explore or renew, and it stays on your license until your next renewal or until you request a change.

Hair color is a standard identifier used by law enforcement and other agencies to verify your identity. It helps confirm that the person presenting the license matches the photograph and description on file. If your hair color has changed significantly since your last license was issued—whether from natural graying, dyeing, or other reasons—you can update it without renewing your entire license early.

Key Takeaways

Tennessee driver's licenses display hair color as part of the physical description section on the back of the card.
You report your hair color when you first explore for a license and when you renew every five or eight years depending on your age.
If your hair color changes noticeably between renewals, you can request an update at any Tennessee DMV office without paying a renewal fee.
The hair color recorded must match what you look like in your license photograph, so the DMV may ask you to clarify if there is a significant mismatch.

Where hair color appears on your Tennessee license

Hair color is printed on the back of your Tennessee driver's license card, in the section labeled "Physical Description" or similar. This section also includes your eye color, height in feet and inches, and any distinguishing marks such as scars, tattoos, or birthmarks that might help identify you. The front of the card shows your photograph, name, date of birth, and license number.

The placement and format of this information can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, as Tennessee has updated its card design over time. If you have an older license, the physical description may be formatted differently, but hair color has been a standard field for many years. When you renew your license, the new card will reflect the current design and layout.

How to report your hair color when you explore

When you explore for a Tennessee driver's license or renew an existing one, you will fill out an process form—either in person at a DMV office or online if you are renewing. The form includes a section for physical description where you select your hair color from a dropdown menu or list of standard options. Common categories include black, brown, blonde, red, gray, white, and bald.

You should report the hair color that matches your appearance in the photograph you provide for the license. The DMV staff may compare your photo to your stated hair color and ask you to correct it if there is an obvious mismatch. If you have recently dyed your hair a very different color, consider whether your photo accurately reflects your current appearance, as licenses are used for identity verification and the description should match what someone sees when they look at you.

Updating your hair color between renewals

If your hair color has changed noticeably since your license was issued and you do not want to wait until your renewal date, you can request a correction at any Tennessee DMV office. This is typically a straightforward process that does not require you to renew your entire license or pay a renewal fee. You will need to bring your current license and may be asked to provide a new photograph if the change is significant.

The DMV staff can update your physical description information in their system and issue you a corrected license. The timeline for receiving your updated license depends on whether you request a standard or expedited replacement. Standard replacements usually arrive by mail within one to two weeks, while expedited options may be available at a higher cost if you need the license sooner.

What happens if your hair color does not match your photo

If you dye your hair a dramatically different color after your license photo was taken, law enforcement or other officials checking your identity might notice the discrepancy. While a minor change in shade is usually not a problem, a major shift—such as from dark brown to platinum blonde—could raise questions about whether the license belongs to you. This is especially true if you are stopped by police or asked to verify your identity in a formal setting.

To avoid this issue, you can update your license information proactively. If you are planning a significant hair color change, consider getting a new photo and updating your license description before the change, or do so shortly after. This keeps your license current and prevents confusion or delays when you need to prove your identity.

Hair color and license renewal in Tennessee

Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years if you are under 65 years old, or eight years if you are 65 or older. When you renew your license, you will report your current hair color on the renewal process, just as you did when you first applied. If your hair color has changed naturally over those years—such as graying—the renewal is a good time to update it to reflect your current appearance.

You can renew your Tennessee license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and whether you need a new photograph. If you renew online or by mail, you will report your hair color on the process form. If you renew in person, a DMV staff member will verify your hair color matches your new photograph before processing your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my hair color on my license without renewing it?

Yes. You can visit a Tennessee DMV office and request a correction to your physical description, including hair color, without renewing your entire license. You may need to provide a new photograph if the change is significant. There is usually no fee for this correction, though some offices may charge a small fee for a replacement card.

What if I dyed my hair and it looks very different from my license photo?

Update your license information at a DMV office. Bring your current license and be prepared to provide a new photograph. This prevents confusion if you are asked to verify your identity and ensures your license accurately describes your appearance.

Does Tennessee use standard hair color categories or let me write in my own?

Tennessee uses standard categories such as black, brown, blonde, red, gray, white, and bald. You select from these options on the process form rather than writing in a custom description. Choose the category that best matches your current hair color.

What if I am bald or have very little hair?

Select "bald" or the closest standard category that describes your head. If you have some hair but very little, you may choose the color that matches what you do have, or select "bald" if that is more accurate. The DMV staff can help you choose the most appropriate option when you explore.

Will my old license still be valid if my hair color no longer matches?

Yes, your license remains valid even if your hair color has changed. However, for identity verification purposes, it is better to keep your physical description current. If you are frequently asked about the discrepancy or want your license to match your appearance, request an update at a DMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.