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 for an eight-year license or $17 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $17 and an eight-year license is not available — you get a four-year license that expires on your 21st birthday. The fee covers the cost of the license itself; you pay it when you visit a Driver Services Center to get your license issued or renewed.
The fee you pay depends on which type of license you need and how long you want it valid. Tennessee also charges different fees for commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and other special licenses. If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same, but not all renewal types are available through those methods.
Key Takeaways
- A standard eight-year Tennessee driver's license costs $27; a four-year license costs $17.
- Drivers under 21 can only get a four-year license, which expires on their 21st birthday at no extra charge.
- Commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements have separate fees that are higher than a standard license.
- You pay the fee at a Driver Services Center when you explore for or renew your license in person.
Standard driver's license fees by license type and length
Tennessee offers two standard license lengths for most drivers: four years and eight years. The four-year license costs $17, and the eight-year license costs $27. Both are valid for driving a regular passenger vehicle in Tennessee and other states.
If you are under 21, you receive a four-year license that automatically expires on your 21st birthday. You do not pay extra for this early expiration — the cost is still $17. Once you turn 21, you can renew for a full four-year or eight-year license at the standard rates.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. A four-year CDL costs $50, and an eight-year CDL costs $100. These licenses allow you to operate commercial vehicles and require additional testing and medical certification beyond a standard license.
Where you pay the fee and what happens next
You pay your driver's license fee at a Tennessee Driver Services Center when you explore in person. The state operates Driver Services Centers in most counties; you can find the location nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You bring your fee in cash, check, or debit card — policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
When you pay, you also provide your documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number). The staff process your process on the spot, take your photo and signature, and issue your license the same day in most cases. If you are explore for your first license, you may need to pass a written test and vision test before paying the fee.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change in the last four years, you may renew by mail or online. The fee is the same — $17 for four years or $27 for eight years — but you do not pay it in person at a Driver Services Center.
For online renewal, you pay the fee with a credit or debit card through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. For mail renewal, you send a check or money order with your renewal process. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal, typically two to three weeks. Online renewal is usually faster and lets you know when ready whether your renewal was accepted.
Not all drivers can renew by mail or online. If you are under 21, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
Additional fees for endorsements and special licenses
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license, Tennessee charges an additional $10 fee. A hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement on a commercial license costs $5. These fees are separate from your base license fee and are charged when you add the endorsement.
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $17. This is the same as a four-year renewal fee. A duplicate license is valid for the remainder of your current license's expiration date, not for a full new term.
What affects your total cost
Your total cost depends on three things: the type of license (standard, commercial, or with endorsements), the length you choose (four or eight years), and whether you are renewing or getting a new license. A standard eight-year license is the longest-lasting option and costs $27 total. A standard four-year license costs $17.
If you add endorsements, you pay the base license fee plus the endorsement fee. For example, a four-year standard license with a motorcycle endorsement costs $17 plus $10, for a total of $27. Your age also affects your options — if you are under 21, you cannot choose an eight-year license, so your lowest cost is $17 for a four-year license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?
Yes. Tennessee charges the full fee for the license length you choose, regardless of when you renew. If your eight-year license expires in two years and you renew now, you still pay $27 for a new eight-year license. There is no prorated discount for renewing early.
What if I turn 21 before my four-year license expires?
Your license expires on your 21st birthday, even if you paid for a four-year license. You do not get a refund. Once you turn 21, you can renew at a Driver Services Center and choose either a four-year or eight-year license at the standard rates.
Can I pay my driver's license fee online before I go to the Driver Services Center?
No. You pay the fee at the Driver Services Center when you explore in person, or you pay online if you are renewing by mail or online. You cannot prepay online for an in-person visit. Bring your payment method with you to the center.
Is there a fee to replace a lost or stolen license?
Yes. A replacement license costs $17, the same as a four-year renewal. Your replacement license is valid only until your original license would have expired, not for a full new term.
Do I pay extra if I need a new photo?
No. If you need a new photo, you renew in person at a Driver Services Center and pay the standard renewal fee for the license length you choose. There is no separate photo fee.