You can renew an expired Tennessee license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if it expired fewer than five years ago, or online if you meet certain conditions

An expired Tennessee driver's license cannot be used for driving or as valid identification. You have three paths to renew: visit a Driver Services office in person, mail in your renewal if your license expired within the last five years, or renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if you have no disqualifying factors.

The fastest option is usually online renewal, which takes minutes and costs $28.50. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about an hour and is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have medical conditions that require a vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
  • Mail renewal works for licenses expired within five years; send your renewal form, fee, and required documents to the address on the form, and expect your new license in two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any Driver Services office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must bring proof of residency and pass a vision test.
  • The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard four-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.

Renewing online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, navigate to the Driver Services section, and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).

The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, address, and whether any medical conditions have changed since your last renewal. If you answer yes to medical questions or need to change your address, you will be directed to complete your renewal in person instead. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to update your photograph. You also cannot renew online if you have restrictions or endorsements that require a vision test or medical evaluation.

Mailing in your renewal form and documents

Mail renewal works if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Request a renewal form by calling the Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-8590, or read the form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, license number, and current address.

Include a check or money order for $28.50 made payable to "Tennessee Department of Safety." Do not send cash. Mail your completed form, payment, and a copy of your current or expired license to the address listed on the form — this is typically the Driver Services mail processing center in Nashville. Include a return envelope with your address if you want confirmation of receipt.

Your renewed license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call Driver Services to confirm they received your process. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago or if you have medical restrictions that require a vision test.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your photograph, or if you have medical conditions that require a vision test. Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have extended hours.

Bring your expired or current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and $28.50 in cash, check, or card. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will take a new photograph and pass a vision test as part of the renewal process.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville. You can check current wait times on the Driver Services website before you go. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the office is processing a high volume of renewals.

What documents and fees you need

The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types. Mail renewals require a check or money order only.

For in-person renewal, you must bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address.

For mail or online renewal, you do not need to submit additional documents unless you are updating your address or name. If you are updating either, you will need to renew in person instead.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal: bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $28.50. You will take a new photograph and pass a vision test.

Some Driver Services offices may ask you to retake the written knowledge test if your license has been expired for an extended period, though this is not standard practice. Call your local Driver Services office before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you are pulled over, you can be cited for driving without a valid license. If you renewed online or by mail, you can show your confirmation number or receipt as proof that you have applied, but this does not give you legal permission to drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at a Driver Services office so you receive your license when ready.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the office is busy. If you do not receive your license within the expected timeframe, contact Driver Services at 615-251-8590.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). You cannot change your address online if you also need to update your photograph or pass a vision test — in that case, renew in person.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. An outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact Driver Services or the court that issued the citation to find out how to clear the suspension.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot update your name through online or mail renewal.