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 $27.50 for an eight-year license, which is the most common choice for adults. If you want a four-year license instead, you pay $16.50. These are the fees the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security charges when you renew or get a new license at a Driver Services office.

The cost does not change based on where you live in Tennessee or which office you visit. However, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license — one that meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — the fee is the same. The REAL ID designation is printed on the license itself, but Tennessee does not charge extra for it.

If you are under 18, the fees are lower. A four-year license for a minor costs $16.50, and an eight-year license is not available until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, you can renew to an eight-year license at the standard adult rate.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50; a four-year license costs $16.50.
  • REAL ID compliance does not add to the fee — it is included in the standard license cost.
  • Minors pay the same per-year rate but cannot get an eight-year license until they turn 18.
  • You pay the fee at a Driver Services office when you renew, replace, or get a new license.
  • Duplicate licenses (if you lose your card) cost $7.50 and are ready the same day at most offices.

What happens if you need a replacement or duplicate

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at any Driver Services office for $7.50. A duplicate is a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original. Most offices print duplicates on-site, so you can pick it up the same day or within a few hours.

A duplicate does not extend your license expiration. If your license expires in six months, the duplicate will also expire in six months. You still need to renew at the regular fee when the expiration date arrives.

Renewal by mail or online costs the same

Tennessee allows you to renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not suspended, you have not had a major change in your vision or medical status, and you are not changing your name or address. The renewal fee is identical whether you renew in person, by mail, or online: $27.50 for eight years or $16.50 for four years.

Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewal takes longer because you must send in your current license and wait for processing. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is when ready if you bring all required documents.

Additional fees for other license types and endorsements

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher. A CDL costs $60 for an eight-year license or $37.50 for a four-year license. CDLs require a written test and a driving skills test, which are included in the fee.

Adding endorsements to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement (M), hazmat endorsement (H), or passenger endorsement (P) — costs $7.50 per endorsement. You can add multiple endorsements at once. Removing an endorsement costs $7.50 as well.

If you need a learner's permit before you get your full license, the cost is $16.50 for a four-year permit. The permit fee does not count toward your license fee — you pay both separately when you pass your driving test and move to a full license.

How to pay and what documents you need

Tennessee Driver Services offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You cannot pay online unless you are renewing online, in which case you enter your payment information as part of the renewal process. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process.

For any transaction, bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need a valid email address and your license number. The office will verify your information against state records before processing your fee.

Where Driver Services offices are located and hours

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a long wait, calling ahead or checking online appointment availability can help you plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. Tennessee charges the full fee for the license term you choose, regardless of when you renew. If your license does not expire for another year but you renew now, you still pay the full $27.50 or $16.50 and your new expiration date is set from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

What if I turn 18 before my four-year license expires?

You can continue using your minor's license until it expires. When you renew, you can choose the eight-year adult license at the $27.50 rate. You do not have to renew early just because you turned 18.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. You can change your address at any Driver Services office for free. However, if you want a new card printed with your updated address, you pay $7.50 for a duplicate. If you wait until your renewal, the new address is included at no extra cost.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my license for the full term?

No. Tennessee does not offer refunds for unused license terms. Once you pay and receive your license, the fee is non-refundable, even if you move out of state or stop driving before the expiration date.

What if I lose my license right after renewing?

You pay $7.50 for a duplicate, which will have the same expiration date as your original. You do not pay the renewal fee again. The duplicate is a replacement card only, not a new license term.