Tennessee driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A Class D license (the standard passenger vehicle license most people get) costs $27 for an eight-year license in Tennessee. If you want a four-year license instead, you pay $17. Renewal costs the same as the initial license — $27 for eight years or $17 for four years. These are the base fees; if you need a duplicate or replacement card, that costs $7.

Other license types cost more. A Class M license (motorcycle) is $27 for eight years or $17 for four years, the same as Class D. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $60 for a four-year license. If you're under 21, a Class D license costs the same as an adult license — there's no reduced rate for younger drivers.

These fees cover the cost of the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. You pay the fee when you visit a Tennessee Driver Services center to take your test or renew your license. The center accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Class D license costs $27; a four-year Class D license costs $17.
  • Motorcycle licenses (Class M) cost the same as Class D licenses: $27 for eight years or $17 for four years.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost $60 for a four-year license.
  • A duplicate or replacement license card costs $7, and you can request one at any Driver Services center.
  • All Tennessee Driver Services centers accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

What's included in the license fee

The fee you pay covers more than just the plastic card. It includes the cost of running your background check through Tennessee's records system, processing your process, and issuing the license itself. The fee also covers the security features built into the card — the hologram, the barcode, and the magnetic stripe that law enforcement and businesses use to verify your identity.

The fee does not cover the cost of taking your written test or road test. Those are separate and free — you take them at a Driver Services center as part of the licensing process, but you don't pay an additional charge for the tests themselves. However, if you fail a test and need to retake it, you still don't pay a fee to try again.

Why the eight-year option costs more than four years

An eight-year license costs $27 while a four-year license costs $17 because you're paying for a longer period of validity. The difference ($10) works out to about $1.25 per year. Most people choose the eight-year option because the per-year cost is lower, but the four-year option is available if you prefer to renew more frequently — for example, if you expect your address or appearance to change significantly, or if you want to update your photo sooner.

Both options are valid forms of identification. There's no legal advantage to one over the other; it's purely a matter of how long you want your license to remain current before you need to renew it.

Fees for duplicate and replacement licenses

If you lose your license, have it stolen, or need an extra copy, you can request a duplicate at any Tennessee Driver Services center for $7. You don't need to retake any tests — you straightforward fill out a form, pay the fee, and the center issues you a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

A duplicate is useful if you want to keep one license in your wallet and another in a safe place at home, or if you need a replacement quickly while you search for a lost card. The duplicate card is identical to your original and is just as legal to use.

Payment methods at Tennessee Driver Services centers

All Tennessee Driver Services centers accept four payment methods: cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card. You do not need to bring exact change. If you pay by check, write it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Some centers may have slight variations in which payment methods they prefer or can process, so if you have a strong preference, you can call ahead to confirm. The main Driver Services office in Nashville and all regional centers throughout the state accept all four methods.

License fees for people under 21

Tennessee does not charge a lower fee for drivers under 21. A Class D license costs $27 for eight years or $17 for four years whether you're 16 or 40. However, if you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process, and you may have restrictions on your license (such as a curfew or limits on passengers) depending on your age and how long you've held a learner's permit. Those restrictions don't affect the fee — you pay the same amount.

Once you turn 21, your license remains valid until its expiration date. You don't pay a fee to remove restrictions or to update your license when you reach 21.

Renewing your license and what it costs

When your license expires, you renew it by visiting a Driver Services center and paying the same fee you paid for your original license. If you originally got an eight-year license, renewal costs $27. If you originally got a four-year license, renewal costs $17. You can choose to switch to the other option at renewal time — for example, you can renew a four-year license as an eight-year license, or vice versa.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to renew a license unless your license has been expired for more than a year, or unless you have certain medical conditions that require periodic testing. For most people, renewal is straightforward a matter of paying the fee and getting a new card with an updated expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I'm renewing early?

Yes. Tennessee charges the full fee for renewal regardless of how much time remains on your current license. If you renew an eight-year license early, you still pay $27, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date. There is no prorated discount for early renewal.

What if I need to change my name or address on my license?

A name or address change costs $7 — the same as a duplicate. You visit a Driver Services center, show proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill), and the center issues you a new card. You don't pay the full license fee, only the $7 replacement fee.

Can I renew my license online or by mail to avoid the fee?

Tennessee does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit a Driver Services center in person to renew, and you must pay the fee at that time. However, you can check your license expiration date and schedule an appointment online before you go.

Is there a fee to take the written test or road test?

No. The written test and road test are free. You only pay the license fee when you pass your tests and the Driver Services center issues your license card. If you fail a test and retake it, there is still no fee.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

The Driver Services center will let you know before they process your payment. If you underpay, you can add more money on the spot. If you overpay, the center will give you change or issue a refund. Always confirm the correct fee for your license type before you go to the center.