Tennessee drivers license renewal costs $27.50 for a standard eight-year license

The renewal fee for a Tennessee driver's license is $27.50 if you renew in person at a Driver Services office. This is the standard cost for an eight-year license, which is what most adults receive. The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal process.

If you renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website, the cost is the same: $27.50. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed on your current license, and your address hasn't changed. You'll pay by credit card or debit card during the online process.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online and must go to a Driver Services office in person. The fee remains $27.50, but you may also need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it's been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license renewal costs $27.50 whether you renew online or in person at a Driver Services office.
  • Online renewal is faster and available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on your current license, and your address hasn't changed.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests, though the renewal fee stays $27.50.
  • You can pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card online, or by cash, check, or card at a Driver Services office.

What payment methods Tennessee accepts

At a Driver Services office, you can pay your $27.50 renewal fee with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so calling ahead to confirm what your local office accepts is a good idea if you plan to pay by check.

If you renew online, you must pay by credit card or debit card. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your process, and you'll receive a confirmation number right away.

When your renewal fee changes

The $27.50 fee applies to a standard eight-year license for adults. If you need a different type of license, the cost may be different. For example, a commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal has a different fee structure depending on the class of CDL you hold.

If you renew early — before your current license expires — you still pay the standard $27.50 fee. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

Tennessee does not charge extra fees for standard renewals. There are no processing fees, process fees, or additional charges beyond the $27.50 renewal fee itself.

How to pay when you renew online

When you renew through the Tennessee Driver Services website, you'll enter your payment information during the process process. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. After you submit your payment, you'll see a confirmation page with your process number.

Keep your confirmation number and the email confirmation Tennessee sends you. You'll need these if you have questions about your renewal or if you need to check the status of your new license.

How to pay when you renew in person

When you go to a Driver Services office to renew, you'll pay the fee at the counter after you've completed your process. Tell the staff member how you want to pay — cash, check, debit card, or credit card — and they'll process the payment before you leave.

If you pay by check, make it out to the State of Tennessee. If you're unsure whether your local office accepts checks, call ahead. Some offices in rural areas may have limited payment options.

What happens if you don't pay the renewal fee

If you submit an online renewal process but don't complete the payment, your process will not be processed and your license will not be renewed. You'll need to start the online process again or go to a Driver Services office in person.

If you go to a Driver Services office and decide not to pay the fee, you can leave without paying and your license will remain as it is. Your old license will continue to be valid until it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $27.50 fee if I renew online?

Yes, the renewal fee is $27.50 whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal does not cost less, but it does save you a trip to a Driver Services office and usually takes less time to process.

What if I can't afford the $27.50 right now?

Tennessee does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's license renewals. You must pay the full $27.50 to renew. If your license has expired, you can continue to drive on an expired license for a grace period — check your renewal notice or call your local Driver Services office to confirm how long you have.

Will I owe extra fees if my license is expired?

No, the renewal fee is still $27.50 even if your license is expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests, which do not have additional fees.

Can I pay the renewal fee over the phone?

No, Tennessee does not accept phone payments for driver's license renewals. You can pay online through the Driver Services website or in person at a Driver Services office.