What you need to do to renew in Tennessee

Tennessee renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Which method works for you depends on when your license expires and whether you need to change your address or photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your license is valid for five or eight years depending on your age when you got it. Tennessee sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 for a five-year license or $54 for an eight-year license, plus a $1 online fee.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-44, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is necessary if you need a new photo, are changing your address, or have a commercial license.
  • You must have a Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and a valid form of identification to renew.
  • If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Driver Services Center in person.

Renewing online through the Tennessee website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Renew Your License," and create an account or log in. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The system will ask you to verify your address and confirm your information. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Tennessee charges $27 for a five-year renewal or $54 for an eight-year renewal, plus a $1 online processing fee. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than three years ago, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial driver license. You also cannot renew online if you are over 65 and your license is marked for in-person renewal.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is current and you do not need a new photo or address change. Request Form DL-44 from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-8590 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your signature.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($27 for five years or $54 for eight years), made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet, so mail it early if your license is expiring soon.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, mail renewal is not an option. You will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center

Visit a Driver Services Center if you need a new photo, are changing your address, have a commercial license, or your license expired more than three years ago. Bring your current license, proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. You will also need to provide your Social Security number.

Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. If you do not have a document with your address, bring two forms of ID instead.

The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail: $27 for five years or $54 for eight years. You will receive your new license on the spot if you are renewing with a photo. If you are renewing without a new photo (which is only possible in limited situations), your license will arrive by mail.

Documents and information you will need

All renewal methods require the same basic information: your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you are renewing in person or by mail, you will also need to show proof of residency and a valid form of identification.

Valid forms of identification include a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your visa or immigration document along with your passport.

How long renewal takes and when to expect your new license

Online renewal is fastest: your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet, so the total time depends on postal delivery. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is when ready if you are getting a new photo; you receive your license before you leave.

If you renew before your current license expires, you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until your new license is in hand. Plan ahead if your license is expiring soon, especially if you choose mail renewal.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center and bring all required documents.

If your license expires within the next two weeks and you have not yet started the renewal process, visit a Driver Services Center in person. Online and mail renewal take too long for urgent situations. You can find the nearest center and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

No. Tennessee only renews licenses for people who still live in Tennessee. If you have moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Tennessee license to the new state's licensing office, or keep it as an ID if it is still valid.

What if my name has changed since I got my license?

Bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online, you may need to visit a Driver Services Center in person because the system may not allow name changes. Call 615-251-8590 to ask whether you can handle the change online or must go in person.

Do I have to renew my license on my birthday?

No. Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on it, which is usually your birthday but not always. You can renew anytime within one year before that date. Renewing early does not change when your next renewal is due; it is still based on the original expiration date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license and renew it in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The replacement and renewal fees may be combined, so ask the clerk what the total cost will be.

Can I renew a commercial driver license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services Center. You will need to pass a vision test and provide all required documents. Some commercial renewals also require a medical certificate, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.