Tennessee driver's license fees by license type

A Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 for an eight-year license, which is the standard term. If you are under 21, the cost is the same — $27.50 — but your license expires when you turn 21. Renewal costs $27.50 as well.

If you need a duplicate license (a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged card), the fee is $11. A corrected license — issued when you need to fix information like your name or address without renewing — also costs $11.

Tennessee also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. A REAL ID license costs $27.50 for a new license and $27.50 for renewal, the same as a standard license. You do not pay extra for REAL ID compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50 and is valid for eight years.
  • Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $11, and correcting information on your current license also costs $11.
  • REAL ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses — $27.50 — with no additional fee.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or card at any Driver Services office, and fees do not vary by county.

How to pay when you get your license

When you visit a Tennessee Driver Services office to get or renew your license, you pay the fee at the time of your visit. The office accepts cash, personal check, and debit or credit cards. You cannot pay online in advance — payment happens in person at the counter.

If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. The Driver Services office will return your payment if your process is incomplete or denied, though this is uncommon for straightforward renewals.

What happens if you renew early

Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, you still pay $27.50, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal — not from the date your old license would have expired. This means renewing early does not give you extra time; it straightforward resets the eight-year clock.

Many people renew early to avoid a lapsed license if they know they will be out of state or unable to visit an office near their expiration date. This is a common reason to pay the fee sooner than strictly necessary.

Additional costs you may encounter

The $27.50 fee covers the license itself. However, you may face other costs depending on your situation. If you need a name change — due to marriage, divorce, or court order — you must bring a certified copy of the document proving the change. There is no extra fee from Driver Services, but obtaining a certified copy from the court or vital records office may cost $5 to $25 depending on the county.

If you are getting your first license and need to take a written test or driving test, there is no separate test fee in Tennessee. The test is included as part of the licensing process. However, if you fail a test and must retake it, you do not pay again — retests are free.

If you need to restore a suspended or revoked license, you may owe reinstatement fees to the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, separate from the license fee itself. These fees vary by the reason for suspension and are not set by the Driver Services office.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay at any of Tennessee's Driver Services offices. There are regional offices in most counties, and you can find the nearest one on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

If you are renewing by mail, send your process, payment, and required documents to the address listed on the renewal form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the office receives your packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full $27.50 if I only need to update my address?

If you only need to change your address without renewing your license, you can update it for free at any Driver Services office or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. You do not need a new card printed. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you pay $11 for a corrected license.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

A replacement costs $11. You pay this fee at the Driver Services office when you report it lost and request a duplicate. The new license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not paying for extra time.

Can I pay online to renew my Tennessee license?

Tennessee does not offer online payment for license fees. You must pay in person at a Driver Services office or by check or money order if you renew by mail. Some offices may accept payment by phone for mail-in renewals — call your local office to ask.

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

No. Both cost $27.50 for a new license and $27.50 for renewal. REAL ID compliance is included at no extra charge. You will need additional documents to prove citizenship and residency for REAL ID, but there is no separate fee for the credential itself.

What if I am a commercial driver and need a CDL?

A commercial driver's license costs more than a standard license. A CDL costs $80 for an eight-year license in Tennessee. You must pass additional tests and meet medical requirements. Contact your local Driver Services office for the full list of CDL fees and requirements.