Where to renew your license in Murfreesboro

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates a Driver Services office in Murfreesboro where you can renew your license in person. The office is located at 2820 Memorial Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. This is the primary location for Rutherford County residents, though you can also renew by mail or online depending on your situation.

The Murfreesboro office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. You do not need an appointment to walk in, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the Murfreesboro Driver Services office at 2820 Memorial Boulevard, by mail if your license is not expired, or online through the Tennessee DMV website if you meet certain conditions.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • In-person renewal takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, while mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials.
  • The cost is $28 for a standard four-year renewal or $68 for an eight-year renewal, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must renew in person.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license as your primary form of identification. If your license has been lost or stolen, bring a state ID card, passport, or military ID instead. The office will not accept a photo from your phone or a digital copy.

You must also bring proof that you live in Tennessee. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current address. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document showing your name and date of birth, such as a passport or military discharge papers.

Renewing in person at the Murfreesboro office

Walk into the office during business hours with your documents. Take a number from the dispenser near the entrance — the system will call your number when a clerk is ready. Bring all required documents in one place so you do not have to search through your bag when it is your turn.

When called, hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. You will pay the renewal fee at this time. Standard four-year renewals cost $28; eight-year renewals cost $68. The office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license — they can issue one on the spot at no extra cost.

Renewing by mail from Murfreesboro

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired. Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal but requires no trip to the office. Complete the DL 43 form, which you can read from the Tennessee DMV website or request by calling the Murfreesboro office at (615) 898-7650.

Include your completed DL 43 form, your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $28 (four-year) or $68 (eight-year) made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. Do not send cash.

Mail your packet to: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. The office will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive your materials, plus mail delivery time both ways. Plan for two to three weeks total.

Renewing online through the Tennessee DMV website

Tennessee allows online renewal through its official DMV website for certain drivers. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a new photo. Most people renewing for the first time after a photo renewal cannot use the online option.

Visit the Tennessee DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements, since you avoid both the office visit and the mail delivery delay on the way to the office. However, if you have any doubt about whether you meet the conditions, call the Murfreesboro office or use mail renewal instead — the office staff can tell you in one call whether online renewal is open to you.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as above. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at the Murfreesboro office. You will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test. Bring all the same documents — current license (or ID if your license is lost), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same: $28 for four years or $68 for eight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The Tennessee DMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine, child support debt, or certain other court-ordered obligations. Contact the Murfreesboro office or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the debt before you renew. Once resolved, you can proceed with renewal.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives in the mail?

Ask the clerk for a temporary paper license when you renew in person. They issue it when ready at no extra cost and it is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives. If you renewed by mail, you cannot get a temporary license — you must renew in person if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license in Murfreesboro?

Only if your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license is current or expired less than two years, you do not take a vision test. If you renew in person and your vision has changed significantly, you can ask to take the test even if it is not required.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

No. The person whose license is being renewed must appear in person at the office or sign the mail renewal form themselves. A parent cannot renew a child's license, and a spouse cannot renew their partner's license. The only exception is a legal guardian renewing a minor's license with proper guardianship documentation.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard renewal is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can choose an eight-year renewal instead for an additional $40, which is valid for eight years. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.