How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The state operates centers in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the TDOSHS website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). 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. You do not need to bring your original documents; certified copies are acceptable.

The renewal fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all Driver Services Centers.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any Tennessee Driver Services Center without an appointment, though you may wait depending on the location and time.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number — originals are not required.
If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The renewal fee is $27.50 for four years or $55 for eight years, and the state accepts cash and cards at all centers.
Your new license is issued on the spot after your process is processed, so you leave with it the same day.

Online renewal through the mail

Tennessee does not offer online renewal through a website portal. However, you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Tennessee address on file, and you must not have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed since your last license.

To renew by mail, contact your local Driver Services Center or call the TDOSHS customer service line to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date the state receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The new expiration date will be calculated from the date you renew, not from the date your current license was set to expire. This means if you renew early, your new license will have a full four or eight years of validity from the renewal date.

Renewing early can be useful if you are planning a trip and want to may support your license is current, or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. There is no penalty for renewing early, and you do not lose any validity from your current license.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to retake the written test and vision test. The Driver Services Center staff will tell you at the time of renewal whether this applies to your situation. Bring your expired license with you so the staff can check how long it has been expired.

Name changes and license updates

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. Tennessee accepts marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders as proof of name change. The certified copy must be an official document from the issuing agency, not a photocopy you made yourself.

You can update your name at the same time you renew your license. The new license will reflect your current legal name. If you need to change your name but your license is not yet due for renewal, you can still visit a Driver Services Center to update it; the fee for a name-change replacement is $27.50.

Address changes and license corrections

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new Tennessee address to your renewal appointment. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The new license will show your current address.

If you notice an error on your current license — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address — tell the staff member when you renew. They can correct the information during the renewal process. If the error is significant (such as your date of birth), you may be asked to bring documentation to verify the correct information.

Medical conditions and vision restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if your vision has changed since your last license, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. The staff will conduct a vision test as part of the renewal process. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you to the appointment.

If you have a medical condition that requires restrictions on your license — such as daylight driving only or automatic transmission only — tell the staff member during renewal. You may be asked to provide a letter from your doctor confirming the restriction. The new license will include any necessary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Tennessee license if I live out of state now?

No. Tennessee requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residency. If you still own property in Tennessee and maintain an address there, you may be able to renew, but you will need to bring proof of that Tennessee address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person at a Driver Services Center, you receive your new license the same day after your process is processed. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of the state receiving your form.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You can still renew without your current license. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The staff will look up your license record in the system. You will pay the standard renewal fee of $27.50 or $55 depending on the term you choose.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services Center?

No. All Tennessee Driver Services Centers accept walk-in renewals. However, some locations offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the TDOSHS website to see if your local center offers appointments and to book one if you prefer.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension on your license, the renewal will be blocked until the suspension is lifted. The Driver Services Center staff can tell you if there is a suspension on your record.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.