What You Need to Get a Tennessee Driver's License
Tennessee issues driver's licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Driver Services. To get a new license, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will require proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency before issuing a license.
Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, Tennessee accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school ID or employee badge. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of residency requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Tennessee address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement will satisfy this.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, and renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
- The fee for a new license is $28.50; renewal fees vary by license type and whether you renew in person or by mail.
- If you are renewing online, you must have a current license, a valid email address, and access to a credit or debit card for payment.
- Driver Services offices have varying hours and some locations require appointments; check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for your nearest office before you go.
How to Renew Your Tennessee License
Renewal depends on whether your license is still valid or has expired, and how recently it expired. If your license is still valid or expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services office.
Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access. You go to the Tennessee Department of Safety website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer — you send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the address provided by Driver Services. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your materials.
Fees and License Validity
A new Tennessee driver's license costs $28.50. Renewal fees depend on the type of license and the method. A standard five-year renewal by mail costs $28.50; online renewal of a standard license also costs $28.50. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, the fee is the same. Commercial driver's licenses and other specialty licenses have different fees — check the Department of Safety website for the exact amount for your license type.
All Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date appears on the front of your license. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, which means you can start the process early if you know you will be busy closer to the expiration date. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can show your renewal confirmation email or receipt as proof that you have applied.
What to Bring to a Driver Services Office
If you are explore for a new license or renewing in person, bring the documents listed above: proof of identity with a photograph, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days. You will also need to bring your current license if you are renewing. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, 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 passport and visa or other immigration document that shows your legal status in the United States. Bring your Social Security card if you have it; if you do not, bring one of the other documents listed above that shows your number.
Finding a Driver Services Office and Making an Appointment
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties, but not every county has a full-service office. Some locations are satellite offices with limited hours or services. The Tennessee Department of Safety website has a searchable map showing all offices, their hours, and which services each location offers. You can search by county or city to find the office nearest to you.
Many Driver Services offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. You can book an appointment through the Department of Safety website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are still accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you are planning to visit without an appointment, call ahead to ask about current wait times. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days, so check before you go.
Special Situations: Name Changes, Duplicate Licenses, and Replacements
If you have changed your name and need to update your license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the other documents listed above. The fee is $28.50 for a replacement license with your new name.
If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate or replacement. A duplicate is an exact copy of your current license and costs $10. A replacement is a new license with updated information and costs $28.50. Both require a visit to a Driver Services office. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local law enforcement and keep a copy of the report for your records, though this is not required by Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license online if it has already expired?
Yes, if it expired fewer than five years ago. Online renewal is open to anyone with a valid or recently expired license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services office.
What happens if I move out of state but still have a valid Tennessee license?
Your Tennessee license remains valid until it expires. You are not required to get a new state's license when ready, but most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check the requirements of your new state's motor vehicle department.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver Services office?
Many offices require appointments, but some still accept walk-ins. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for your specific office's policy. If appointments are available, booking one will usually get you in faster than waiting in line.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Tennessee requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Tennessee license. Non-citizens may have different options — contact your local Driver Services office to ask about your situation.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore in person?
If you explore in person at a Driver Services office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the office where you applied.