What to do when your Tennessee driver's license has already expired
If your Tennessee driver's license has expired, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. The good news is that renewal is straightforward — you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
The path you take depends on one main factor: how long ago your license expired. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you have more options. If it expired five years or longer ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center because the state requires a new photograph and your information needs to be reverified.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired five years or longer must be renewed in person.
- Online renewal costs $27 and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal costs $27 and takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal costs $27 and is when ready for a temporary permit.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to renew online or by mail.
- In-person renewal requires your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
- You cannot legally drive while your license is expired, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in. The process takes about 10 business days from submission to receiving your new license in the mail.
To renew online, visit the TDSH website and select the driver license renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You will also answer security questions based on your driving history. The fee is $27, paid by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Online renewal does not include a new photograph — your license will use the photo from your previous license. If you need a new photo (for example, if your appearance has changed significantly), you must renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photograph. This method takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks — but requires no office visit.
To renew by mail, contact the Driver Services Center at 615-251-8590 or visit the TDSH website to request a renewal form. Fill out the form completely, include a check or money order for $27 made payable to the State of Tennessee, and mail it along with your expired license to the address provided on the form. Your new license will be mailed to you once processed.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
In-person renewal is required if your license expired five years or longer ago. It is also your only option if you need a new photograph, if you want to update your address or name, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary permit the same day.
Bring these documents to any Driver Services Center: your expired Tennessee driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form). The fee is $27, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The Driver Services Center will take a new photograph, verify your information, and issue you a temporary permit on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license typically arrives within 10 business days.
Finding a Driver Services Center location and hours
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. To find the one nearest you, visit the TDSH website and use the location finder, or call 615-251-8590. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments — check the website for your specific center.
Wait times at Driver Services Centers vary. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. You can also check the TDSH website to see current wait times at your nearest center before you go.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have submitted a renewal request and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired, but it typically ranges from $50 to $200 for a first offense.
If your license expired and you need to drive before your renewal is processed, your only legal option is to have someone else drive you, or to wait until your new license arrives. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary permit valid for 30 days — that temporary permit is your legal proof of driving privilege while your permanent license is in the mail.
Updating your address or name at the same time
If you need to change your address or name on your license, you cannot do this through online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring the same documents listed above, plus any additional proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if applicable.
The cost remains $27 for the renewal itself. Address and name changes are processed at the same time as your renewal, so there is no additional fee or separate step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have submitted my renewal but have not received my new license yet?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress. The only exception is if you renewed in person and received a temporary permit — that permit is valid for 30 days and serves as your legal proof of driving privilege while you wait for your permanent license.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. If you are renewing in person, bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number instead. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will need your driver's license number — if you do not have it, call the Driver Services Center at 615-251-8590 and they can look it up using your date of birth and Social Security number.
How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals typically take 10 business days from the date your process is processed. In-person renewals take about 10 business days for your permanent license, but you receive a temporary permit when ready that is valid for 30 days. Processing times may be longer during high-volume periods.
Do I have to renew in person if my license expired more than five years ago?
Yes. Tennessee requires a new photograph and information reverification for licenses expired five years or longer, so in-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is your only option.
What if my address changed since my license expired?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services Center to update your address. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other required documents.