Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and when you renew
A Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 60 years old. If you are under 21, your license is valid for five years. If you are 60 or older, your license is valid for four years. These timeframes begin on the date the Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues your license, and you can find your expiration date printed on the front of your card.
Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to end. For example, if you received your license on March 15, 2024, and you are 35 years old, it will expire on March 15, 2032. You do not have to wait until the expiration date to renew — Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee driver's licenses last eight years for people aged 21 to 60, five years for people under 21, and four years for people 60 and older.
- Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license and falls on your birthday in the final year of validity.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you flexibility in scheduling your renewal appointment.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have only missed the expiration date by a few days.
What happens if your license expires
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee or any other state. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, even if you have a valid license at home and straightforward forgot to renew it. Law enforcement will treat an expired license the same way they treat driving without a license.
If you are stopped while driving an expired license, you may receive a citation. The fine amount varies, but you will also face the inconvenience of having to appear in court or pay the citation. More importantly, your insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving with an expired license at the time.
How to renew before your license expires
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Service Center run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address.
The renewal process takes about 30 minutes at a Driver Service Center. You will have a new photo taken, answer questions about your driving history, and pay the renewal fee. The fee depends on how long you are renewing for — a standard eight-year renewal costs more than a four-year renewal. Once you complete the process, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Tennessee also offers online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have not had any violations in the past two years, and you are not changing your address or name. Visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to check whether you are may be able to access and to complete the online process.
Renewing by mail is not an option in Tennessee
Unlike some states, Tennessee does not allow you to renew your driver's license by mail. You must either go to a Driver Service Center in person or use the online renewal system if you meet the requirements. This means you cannot straightforward mail in your old license and a check to get a new one.
If you cannot visit a Driver Service Center during regular business hours, check whether your county offers extended hours or Saturday appointments. Many Driver Service Centers have different hours on different days, and some locations are busier than others. Calling ahead or checking online can help you find a time that works for your schedule.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license has already expired, you still need to renew it in person at a Driver Service Center or through the online system if you are may be able to access. The process is the same as a regular renewal, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Do not drive to the Driver Service Center if your license is expired — arrange a ride with someone whose license is current, or use a taxi or rideshare service.
If you have been driving with an expired license and received a citation, you should renew your license as soon as possible and then address the citation. Renewing your license does not erase the citation, but it shows the court that you have taken steps to comply with the law. You may still need to pay a fine or appear in court, depending on the circumstances.
Keeping track of your expiration date
The easiest way to remember when your license expires is to check the front of your card — the expiration date is printed clearly. You can also set a phone reminder for a few months before your expiration date so you have time to schedule an appointment at a Driver Service Center. Many people set the reminder for six months before expiration, which gives them plenty of time to renew without rushing.
If you lose your license before it expires, you will need to get a replacement. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal and is valid until your original expiration date. You can get a replacement at any Driver Service Center by bringing your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Your license must be valid on the date you drive. Once it expires, even by one day, driving is illegal. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this problem.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it online?
You can renew online if your license has not been suspended, you have had no violations in two years, and you are not changing your address or name. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a Driver Service Center.
How much does it cost to renew a Tennessee driver's license?
The fee depends on how long you renew for. An eight-year renewal costs more than a four-year renewal. Contact your local Driver Service Center or visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for current fees.
What if I turn 21 before my license expires?
Your license remains valid until its printed expiration date. You do not need to renew it early just because you turned 21. You can renew whenever you choose, and your new license will be valid for eight years instead of five.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
You may be able to renew, but unpaid fines can result in your license being suspended. Contact the court or the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out whether any fines are blocking your renewal.