Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services Center, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. Online renewal costs the same but requires that your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to a Driver Services Center, bring your current driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website works only if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services Center takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- A four-year license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $57, and you choose the term when you renew.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Renewing online through the state website
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security lets you renew online if your license is still valid, you have no medical conditions listed on your license, and your address is the same as what's on file. Go to the department's website, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the steps. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The state will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access, but if the system rejects you partway through, you'll need to go in person instead — so have a backup plan if you're on a tight timeline.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
Walk into any Driver Services Center during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out form DL 44, which is a one-page renewal form. A staff member will take your photo, run your information through the system, and collect your fee. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the center is.
You'll receive your new license on the spot — you don't have to wait for it to arrive by mail. If you want to change your address, add an organ donor designation, or update your name, tell the staff member before they take your photo, because those changes are easier to make during the renewal than to fix afterward. If you choose the eight-year license instead of the four-year option, let them know when you pay.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Tennessee license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you have to reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you'll need to take the written test, pass a vision screening, and provide your birth certificate along with your other documents. You'll also pay the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee.
Go to a Driver Services Center and ask for a new process. The staff can tell you whether you need to schedule an appointment or whether walk-ins are accepted at that location. Some centers fill up during lunch hours and after 3 p.m., so calling ahead or arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days. Tell the staff member before they take your photo. If you're renewing online, you cannot change your address; you'll have to go in person instead.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. The staff member will update your name in the system and print it on your new license. If you're renewing online and your name has changed, you must renew in person.
Driver Services Center locations and hours
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. The main locations are in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville, but smaller centers exist throughout the state. Hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some close for lunch or have different schedules.
Find the center nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before you go. Some centers are busier than others; if you're renewing during your lunch break or after work, you may wait longer. A few centers now let you schedule an appointment online, which can save you time, but walk-ins are still accepted at all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew in person or online (if you meet the online requirements). If it expired more than two years ago, you must reapply as a new applicant, which means taking the written test and vision screening.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services Center?
Most centers accept walk-ins, but a few now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local center's website to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always welcome, but you may wait longer during peak hours.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew online?
The state mails online renewals within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it to drive in the meantime.
What if I want to change my photo during renewal?
You can only get a new photo if you renew in person. The staff member will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process. Online renewal uses your existing photo.
Can I choose between a four-year and eight-year license?
Yes. A four-year license costs $28.50 and an eight-year license costs $57. You choose which term you want when you pay. Tell the staff member in person, or select your preference during online renewal.