Tennessee driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older. If you choose a four-year license instead, you pay $17. Drivers under 21 pay $19 for an eight-year license or $12 for a four-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security when you renew or get your first license.
The actual amount you pay at the driver license office may be higher because some locations add a service fee. This fee varies by location — some offices charge an extra $1 to $3, while others charge nothing. Call your local driver license office before you go to find out whether they add a service fee on top of the state fee.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same as a standard license. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance, but you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and Tennessee residency.
Key Takeaways
- A standard eight-year Tennessee driver's license costs $27 for adults 21 and older, or $19 for drivers under 21.
- Four-year licenses cost $17 for adults and $12 for drivers under 21 if you prefer a shorter renewal period.
- Some driver license offices charge an additional service fee of $1 to $3 on top of the state fee, so call ahead to confirm the total cost.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require extra documents like a birth certificate or passport.
- You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most Tennessee driver license offices; credit cards are not accepted.
What documents you need to bring and why they affect the total cost
The documents you bring do not change the license fee itself, but they determine whether you can complete your transaction on the first visit. If you show up without the right documents, you will have to return another day, which means paying for parking or gas twice and taking more time off work.
For a first-time license, you need a birth certificate or passport, proof of a Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). For a renewal, you need your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.
If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change. Without it, you will have to pay the full fee again when you return with the correct paperwork.
How to pay and what payment methods Tennessee accepts
Tennessee driver license offices accept cash, personal checks, and debit cards. They do not accept credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Some offices may accept payment online or by mail if you are renewing your license, but this option is not available for first-time licenses or if you need to take a test. Check the website for your local driver license office to see whether online renewal is available in your county.
Fees for replacements, duplicates, and special circumstances
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $17 for an eight-year license or $12 for a four-year license. This is less than the cost of a new license because you are not taking a new photo or retesting.
A duplicate license — an extra copy of your current license with the same number and expiration date — costs $7. This is useful if you want to keep one license in your wallet and another at home or in your car.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license without renewing it, you may be able to do so for a lower fee or no fee at all, depending on the change. Contact your local driver license office to ask about the cost for your specific situation.
When you renew and how that affects what you pay
Tennessee sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date. If you renew early, you still pay the full fee — Tennessee does not prorate the cost based on how much time is left on your current license.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if you are not required to take a vision test or retake the written test. If you do need to test, you must go in person to a driver license office, and the fee remains the same.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will have to explore for a new license rather than renew, which means taking the written test and vision test again. The cost is still the same — $27 for an eight-year license — but the process takes longer.
Fees for commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $60 for an eight-year license or $40 for a four-year license. This is significantly more than a standard license because CDL holders must pass additional tests and meet stricter medical requirements.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your standard driver's license, the cost is $10. If you are adding it to a CDL, the cost is also $10. You will need to pass a motorcycle skills test, which is administered at the driver license office.
Hazmat endorsements, which allow you to transport hazardous materials, cost $85 and require a background check and fingerprinting. These fees are separate from the license fee itself.
Where to find your local driver license office and confirm current fees
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security maintains a list of all driver license offices on its website, organized by county. Each office has its own phone number and hours, and some have longer wait times than others.
Call your local office before you go to confirm the current fee, ask whether they charge a service fee, and find out how long the wait typically is. Some offices allow you to make an appointment, which can save you time. The website also shows which offices offer online or mail renewal for your county.
If you cannot reach your local office by phone, you can visit the main Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find contact information or use their online chat service for questions about fees and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew early?
Yes. Tennessee charges the full fee regardless of when you renew before your expiration date. There is no discount for renewing early, and the new expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
Can I renew my Tennessee license online or by mail?
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired, you do not need a vision test, and you do not need to retake the written test. Not all counties offer mail or online renewal, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for your county.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount?
If you underpay, the driver license office will ask you to pay the difference before they process your license. If you overpay, they will issue a refund, though this may take several weeks to arrive by mail.
Is there a fee to take the written test or vision test?
No. The written test and vision test are included in the license fee. You do not pay separately for testing.
Do I have to pay a fee if I just want to update my address?
If you are updating your address without renewing your license, contact your local driver license office to ask about the cost. Some address changes are free, while others may have a small fee depending on the circumstances.