Where to go and what to bring
In Murfreesboro, you renew your driver license at the Rutherford County Driver Services office, located at 1 Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. This is the only full-service location in the county where you can complete a renewal in person. The office handles both standard renewals and replacements for lost or damaged licenses.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
You do not need an appointment. The office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays.
Key Takeaways
- The Rutherford County Driver Services office at 1 Public Square is the only place in Murfreesboro where you can renew your license in person.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document with your Social Security number.
- No appointment is required — walk in during business hours, though morning weekdays typically have shorter waits.
- The renewal fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew before your current license expires, or within 5 to 7 business days if you renew after expiration.
Office hours and what to expect when you arrive
The Rutherford County Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. If you are planning to go on a Saturday, arrive early — the office closes at noon and does not reopen.
When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office displays your number on a screen when it is your turn. Bring all your documents to the window. The staff member will review them, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.
If you are renewing before your license expires, you will walk out with your new license the same day. If your license has already expired, the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you — this takes 5 to 7 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard four-year driver license renewal costs $27. An eight-year renewal costs $54. These are the only two options available in Tennessee — you cannot choose a different term. The office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. There are no additional fees or surcharges.
If you are renewing a license that has already expired, the fee is the same. There is no penalty fee for renewing late, though you cannot legally drive on an expired license even if you have applied for renewal.
Renewing online or by mail
Tennessee allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements. You must have a valid Tennessee license, be between 18 and 64 years old, have no medical restrictions, and not have changed your name or address since your last renewal. If you meet these conditions, you can renew at tn.gov/safety/driver-services using your license number and date of birth.
Online renewal costs $27 for a four-year license and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this waiting period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person at the Murfreesboro office instead.
Mail renewal is not available in Tennessee. You must renew either in person or online.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the Rutherford County Driver Services office. The process is the same as renewing before expiration, and the fee does not change. However, you cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you could receive a citation.
If your license will expire within 30 days, you can renew now without penalty. The office will not turn you away for being too early. In fact, renewing a few weeks before expiration is the safest approach because it ensures you have a valid license without interruption.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew. Contact the Rutherford County Driver Services office at (615) 898-7600 to confirm what you will need before you go.
Renewing if your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The office will not renew your license without this document. Your new license will show your current legal name.
If your address has changed, bring proof of residency at your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address on your new license at no extra cost. If you do not update your address, your license will still show your old address, and mail from the state will go to that location.
If both your name and address have changed, bring documents for both. The renewal process takes the same amount of time.
Special situations: duplicate licenses, medical restrictions, and vision tests
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you can request one during renewal. Tell the staff member at the window, and they will issue a duplicate at the same time as your renewal. There is no additional fee — you pay only the standard renewal cost.
If you have medical restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), the office will renew them as they are unless you have a doctor's note saying the restriction should be removed. If you want to remove a restriction, bring the medical documentation to the office and ask the staff member to review it.
Tennessee does not require a vision test for license renewal unless you are over 79 years old or your license was suspended for a medical reason. If you are required to take a vision test, the office has an on-site machine and can complete it during your visit at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to resolve the suspension or revocation. Call (615) 251-8590 or visit tn.gov/safety to find out the reason and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew at the Murfreesboro office.
What if I cannot go to the Murfreesboro office in person?
If you meet the online renewal requirements (license not expired, age 18–64, no medical restrictions, no name or address change), you can renew at tn.gov/safety. If you do not meet those requirements, you must go to the Murfreesboro office or contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to ask about other options. There is no mail renewal available.
How long is my new license valid?
A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your new license will show both the issue date and expiration date on the front. You can renew up to 30 days before expiration without penalty.
What if I move out of Rutherford County after I renew?
Your Tennessee license remains valid no matter where you move within the state. You do not need to renew it again just because you changed counties. If you move to another state, you will need to follow that state's license renewal process.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Tennessee does not suspend licenses for unpaid traffic tickets or fines at the time of renewal. However, if you have an active warrant or your license is suspended for another reason (such as unpaid child support), the office will not renew it. The staff member will tell you if there is a hold on your record and direct you to the appropriate agency to resolve it.