Tennessee driver's license fees by type and renewal

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for an eight-year license if you are between 21 and 60 years old. If you are under 21, the license costs $19.50 and expires when you turn 21. Drivers 60 and older pay $27.50 for a four-year license. These are the fees charged by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security when you renew or get a license for the first time.

Renewal costs the same as a new license — there is no discount for renewing instead of explore fresh. If you renew online through the Tennessee DMV website, you pay the same fee. The only exception is if you are renewing by mail, which is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations; the fee remains $27.50.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025 — the cost is the same. Real ID is now the standard license Tennessee issues, so you will receive it automatically unless you specifically request a non-compliant license, which costs less but cannot be used for federal purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for drivers aged 21 to 60 and is valid for eight years.
  • Drivers under 21 pay $19.50 for a license that expires on their 21st birthday; drivers 60 and older pay $27.50 for a four-year license.
  • Renewal costs the same as a new license, whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are now issued by default in Tennessee.
  • You will also need to pay a separate fee for the written test if you are taking it for the first time or retaking it after a failure.

Additional fees you may encounter

If you are getting a license for the first time and must take the written knowledge test, Tennessee charges a fee for that test. The written test fee is $15. You pay this only once per attempt — if you pass, you do not pay again when you get your license. If you fail and retake the test, you pay the $15 fee again.

The road skills test (the driving test) is included in your license fee and does not cost extra. However, if you fail the road test and need to retake it, you must pay another $27.50 to reapply for the license before you can test again. This means a failed road test effectively costs you a second license fee.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license before it expires, Tennessee charges a $27.50 replacement fee. This is the same as a renewal fee, even though you are not renewing — you are straightforward getting a new card with the same information.

How to pay and where to go

You can pay for your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some locations may have restrictions on which cards they accept, so calling ahead is wise if you plan to pay by card.

If you renew online through the Tennessee DMV website, you pay by credit or debit card only. Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired and you meet other requirements — you cannot renew online if you have had certain traffic violations or if your license was suspended or revoked.

Mail renewal is also available for some drivers. You send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the address provided by the DMV. Payment by check or money order is accepted for mail renewal. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — compared to in-person renewal, which is usually when ready.

Discounts and fee waivers

Tennessee does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on income or hardship. The fee is the same for all drivers in each age category, regardless of circumstances. There is no waiver program for people who cannot afford the fee.

Military members on active duty may be may be able to access for certain DMV services at reduced cost, but driver's license renewal is not typically included. Check with your local Driver Services Center or the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to confirm what services, if any, are available to active military.

What happens if you do not renew on time

If your license expires, you can still renew it at any Driver Services Center. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to retake the written test and the road test, which means paying the $15 test fee plus the $27.50 license fee. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can usually renew without retesting.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee. You can be cited and fined, even if you have a valid license at home that you straightforward forgot to renew. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this risk and any associated fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tennessee driver's license without taking a test?

No. If you are getting a Tennessee license for the first time, you must pass both the written knowledge test and the road skills test. If you are renewing and your license is not expired, you do not retake the tests. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must retake both tests.

Does Tennessee accept out-of-state licenses for renewal?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and move to Tennessee, you can exchange it for a Tennessee license without retaking the tests. You will pay the standard $27.50 fee. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to a Driver Services Center.

What if I need my license before the normal processing time?

If you renew in person at a Driver Services Center, you receive your license when ready or within a few hours. Online and mail renewal take longer — online renewal typically takes five to seven business days, and mail renewal takes two to three weeks. There is no expedited fee for faster processing.

Do I have to renew my license in person?

No. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, or by mail if you prefer. In-person renewal is fastest and gives you your new license when ready, but online and mail renewal are options if you cannot visit a Driver Services Center.

Is there a fee difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

No. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses in Tennessee. Real ID is now the default license issued, so you will receive it unless you specifically request a non-Real ID license, which costs less but cannot be used for federal purposes like air travel.