What you need to do to change your Tennessee driver's license
To change your Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center in person with the right documents, pay a fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on average. You cannot renew or change your license by mail or online — Tennessee requires you to appear in person.
The reason for the in-person requirement is that the state needs to verify your identity and take a new photograph for the license itself. You will leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current Tennessee driver's license.
- The fee for a standard driver's license renewal or change is $28.50 for an eight-year license, though the cost varies if you need a different license class.
- Tennessee Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you can find your nearest location on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay an additional replacement fee of $7 on top of the renewal fee.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address. Valid ID includes a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — the name on the document must match the name on your ID.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your valid visa or immigration document along with your passport.
Do not bring originals of documents you need to keep, such as your Social Security card or birth certificate. The Driver Services Center will not ask for these, and you should not offer them.
Reasons you might need to change your Tennessee driver's license
You change your license when your address changes, your name changes, or you want to update your photo. You also change it if your license was damaged, lost, or stolen. Some people change their license class — for example, from a regular Class D license to a commercial Class A or Class B license — which requires additional testing and documentation.
If you straightforward want a new photo without any other changes, Tennessee allows you to request a new photo at any time, though you still pay the standard renewal fee. If your license is expiring soon anyway, it often makes sense to renew and update your photo at the same time.
Finding your nearest Driver Services Center and hours
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates Driver Services Centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you, current hours, and wait times on the department's website at tn.gov/safety. Most centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have different hours, and a few offer limited Saturday service.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than visiting on Friday afternoon. Some centers allow you to check current wait times online before you go, which can help you plan your visit.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Class D driver's license costs $28.50. If you are over 65, the fee is lower — $13.50 for a four-year license. A four-year license for anyone under 65 costs $18.50. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, add $7 to the renewal fee.
Commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and other license classes have different fees. The Driver Services Center will tell you the exact cost when you arrive, based on what you are changing. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most locations, though you should confirm payment methods when you call ahead or check online.
What happens after you leave the Driver Services Center
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your new plastic card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive — it serves as your legal proof of licensure.
Your new plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the Driver Services Center. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied to check the status.
Changing your license if it was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Driver Services Center when you explore for a replacement. You do not need a police report, though having one can be helpful if you need to dispute fraudulent use. The replacement fee is $7 in addition to the standard renewal fee.
If your license is damaged — torn, faded, or unreadable — bring it with you to the Driver Services Center. The staff will assess whether it qualifies for a damage replacement. In most cases, damage replacements are treated the same as lost or stolen replacements and cost $7 extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my driver's license address without renewing it?
No. In Tennessee, you must renew your license to change your address. You cannot update your address alone. However, if your license is not expiring soon, you can wait until closer to the expiration date to renew and update your address at the same time, which saves you from renewing twice.
What if I need to change my name on my driver's license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and ID. The Driver Services Center will process the name change as part of your license renewal. You pay the standard renewal fee, not an extra charge.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new plastic license card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied to check on the status of your order.
Do I need an appointment to change my driver's license?
Most Tennessee Driver Services Centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the tn.gov/safety website for your specific location to see if appointments are available or recommended.
What if I have a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement?
Changing a commercial license or adding or removing a motorcycle endorsement requires additional steps beyond a standard renewal. You may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on what you are changing. Contact your local Driver Services Center or visit tn.gov/safety to learn what documents and tests you need for your specific situation.