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, or $16.50 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $13.50. These are the fees the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security charges when you renew or get a license for the first time. The actual total you pay may be higher if you add options like a REAL ID endorsement or if you need to pay for a replacement card.

The cost does not change based on where in Tennessee you live or which Driver Services office you visit. However, if you need your license faster than the standard processing time, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — typically a few dollars more, though the exact amount varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50, and a four-year license costs $16.50 for adults.
  • Drivers under 21 pay $13.50 for a four-year license.
  • A REAL ID-compliant license costs $4 more than the standard fee.
  • You pay the fee when you visit a Driver Services office in person; you cannot renew online in Tennessee.
  • Replacement licenses for a lost or damaged card cost $11.

What REAL ID costs and why you might need it

If you want a REAL ID-compliant driver's license — one that meets federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings — you pay an additional $4 on top of the standard license fee. So a REAL ID eight-year license would cost $31.50 total.

You do not have to get REAL ID. A standard Tennessee driver's license still works for driving. REAL ID matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building without a passport. Starting in 2025, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight. If you already have a passport, you do not need to pay extra for REAL ID on your license.

Replacement and duplicate license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement card costs $11. This is separate from any renewal fee. If you need a duplicate license — an extra copy of your current license — that also costs $11.

You must visit a Driver Services office in person to get a replacement. You cannot order one by mail or online. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue the card on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office location.

How to pay and what to bring

Tennessee Driver Services offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some locations may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office takes. You can find the office nearest you and their phone number on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Bring your current license or another form of government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Tennessee address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing, you may not need all of these — call your local office to ask what you specifically need to bring.

Renewal timing and whether you can renew early

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will expire eight years (or four years, depending on which you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means you do not lose time on your license — the clock resets.

Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person every time you renew. There is no mail-in option. Plan to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is.

Commercial driver's license and other license types

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A CDL eight-year license costs $63.50, and a four-year license costs $38.50. You need a CDL if you drive a truck or bus for work, or if you haul certain cargo. The testing process is also longer and more involved than a standard license renewal.

Motorcycle endorsements and other special endorsements add to the cost of your license. A motorcycle endorsement costs $7.50. If you want both a motorcycle endorsement and a standard license, you pay the license fee plus the endorsement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee driver's license online?

No. Tennessee requires you to renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot renew by mail or online. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Do I have to pay extra if I want a real ID?

Yes, REAL ID costs $4 more than a standard license. A REAL ID eight-year license is $31.50 instead of $27.50. You only need REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings without a passport.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?

A replacement costs $11 and you get it at a Driver Services office. Some offices issue the card on the spot; others mail it to you. Call your local office to ask how long it takes. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask if you can get a temporary paper license while you wait.

Does the license fee change if I renew early?

No, the fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. If you renew early, your new license expiration date is eight years (or four years) from the renewal date, so you do not lose any time.

How much does a motorcycle endorsement cost?

A motorcycle endorsement costs $7.50 and is added to your driver's license fee. So if you get an eight-year license with a motorcycle endorsement, you pay $27.50 plus $7.50, for a total of $35.