Where to renew your Tennessee driver's license in Nashville
In Nashville, you can renew your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The main Nashville location is the Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. There are also satellite offices in other parts of Davidson County if the main location is inconvenient.
You do not have to renew in person if your license meets certain conditions. Tennessee allows mail-in renewal for drivers whose licenses are not expired by more than one year, who have no medical restrictions, and who have not changed their name or address since their last renewal. If you may have access to, you can mail your renewal process directly to the address provided on the renewal notice you receive.
Some transactions at Driver Services Centers require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Call ahead or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website to confirm the current policy for your location, as procedures can change.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee driver's licenses expire every five or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The main Nashville Driver Services Center is at 1150 Foster Avenue, but satellite offices exist throughout Davidson County.
- Mail-in renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and a completed renewal form; bring your Social Security card if you have changed your name.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license to the Driver Services Center. This is your primary form of identification for the renewal process.
You also need proof of residency. Tennessee accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works. The document must show your current name and address.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you are renewing by mail, you will submit these documents with your process form rather than presenting them in person.
The renewal form and how to complete it
The renewal form is the process for Renewal of Driver License, which Tennessee calls Form DL-43. You can get this form at any Driver Services Center, read it from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, or request it by mail.
The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and current license number. You will also declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Answer these sections carefully — incorrect information can delay your renewal or result in a license with wrong details.
If you are renewing in person, you can often fill out the form at the Driver Services Center before you reach the counter. If you are renewing by mail, complete the form at home and mail it with your documents and payment to the address shown on your renewal notice.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a Tennessee driver's license renewal varies by the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. As of the most recent update, a five-year license renewal costs around $27, but you should confirm the current fee with the Driver Services Center or the Tennessee Department of Safety website, as fees can change.
At a Driver Services Center, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Some Driver Services Centers may accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up the in-person process. Check with your local center about this option.
How long renewal takes and when you get your new license
If you renew in person at a Driver Services Center, you typically receive your new license on the same day or within a few days. The exact timeline depends on how busy the center is and whether your process requires additional review.
If you renew by mail, expect the process to take two to four weeks from the date the Tennessee Department of Safety receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so submit your process well before your current license expires.
Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you have submitted your renewal process. You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed.
Renewing online or through third-party services
Tennessee does not currently offer online driver's license renewal through the state website. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services Center or by mail.
Some third-party services advertise that they can handle your renewal for you. These services typically charge a fee on top of the state renewal fee and do not speed up the process — they straightforward fill out your form and mail it on your behalf. The Tennessee Department of Safety processes all renewals at the same pace regardless of who submits the paperwork. Using a third-party service is optional and offers no advantage over doing it yourself.
What to do if your license has expired
If your Tennessee driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services Center, a written test, and a vision test.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still use the renewal process. Bring your expired license along with your other documents to the Driver Services Center, and the staff will process it as a renewal rather than a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush. The new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What if I have moved out of Nashville but still have a Tennessee license?
You can renew at any Driver Services Center in Tennessee, not just in Nashville. If you have moved to another county, the nearest center to your new address may be more convenient. You will need proof of your current address, wherever you now live.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services Center?
Appointment requirements vary by location and change based on demand. Some centers accept walk-ins for renewals, while others require appointments. Contact the Nashville Driver Services Center or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you visit to confirm the current policy.
What happens if I lose my license before it expires?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and obtain a replacement. This is a different process from renewal and requires an in-person visit. Bring a police report if you have one, along with your proof of residency and other identification documents.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes. If you have moved, provide your new address on the renewal form and bring proof of residency at your new location. Your new license will show your updated address. If you are renewing by mail, make sure the address on your proof of residency matches the address you want on your new license.