Tennessee driver's license renewal fees

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Tennessee costs $28.50. If you are renewing online or by mail, you pay only the license fee with no additional processing charge. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, the fee remains the same.

The $28.50 covers the new license card itself and the state's processing of your renewal. You do not pay extra for the background check or records review that happens during renewal — that cost is built into the single fee.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher. A CDL renewal runs $48.50 for the eight-year term. The difference reflects the additional testing and medical certification requirements for commercial licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Tennessee driver's license renewal costs $28.50 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Commercial driver's license renewals cost $48.50 for the same eight-year term.
  • You pay only one fee — there are no separate processing, process, or handling charges added on top.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you avoid a trip to a Driver Services office and still pay the same $28.50 fee.

Payment methods when renewing in person

At a Driver Services office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will not accept payment by phone or online if you are renewing in person — you must pay at the counter when you submit your documents.

If you lose your receipt, ask the clerk for a duplicate before you leave. You will need proof of payment if there is ever a question about whether your renewal went through.

Online and mail renewal costs

When you renew online through the Tennessee Driver Services website, you pay the $28.50 fee by credit or debit card at the time you submit your renewal request. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen.

If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for $28.50 along with your renewal form and documents. Mail the payment to the address listed on the renewal form packet. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — so the state will not cash your check until they receive and review your paperwork.

When the fee changes or increases

Tennessee's driver's license renewal fee has remained $28.50 since 2015. The state legislature can change this fee, but it does not happen often. If you are renewing several years from now, the fee may be different, so check the official Tennessee Driver Services website before you renew to confirm the current cost.

Some counties or cities do not charge an additional local fee on top of the state renewal fee. Tennessee does not allow local governments to add surcharges to driver's license renewals, so the $28.50 you see is the total amount due. This means you will not encounter hidden fees or county-specific charges when you renew.

Replacement or duplicate license fees

If you need a replacement license before your renewal date — because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — the fee is different. A replacement license costs $18.50 and is valid for the remainder of your current license term, not a full eight years.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license) costs $7.50. This is useful if you want a backup copy to keep at home while you carry your main license.

Fees for license upgrades or changes

If you are renewing and also requesting a change — such as adding a motorcycle endorsement, upgrading to a REAL ID, or correcting your name — there may be additional fees beyond the base $28.50 renewal cost.

A REAL ID upgrade during renewal typically adds $15 to $20 to your total cost, depending on whether you are doing it in person or by mail. Endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat have their own fees, usually $5 to $10 each. Ask the Driver Services office or check the website for the exact cost of any add-on you need before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee over time or in installments?

No. Tennessee requires full payment of the renewal fee at the time you submit your renewal — either in person, online, or by mail. There is no option to pay in installments or to defer payment.

What happens if I send a check for the wrong amount?

If you mail in a check for less than $28.50, the Driver Services office will return your renewal packet and ask you to resubmit with the correct payment. If you send more than $28.50, they will not issue a refund — the overpayment is kept by the state. Send exactly $28.50 to avoid delays.

Do I get a refund if my renewal is denied?

If your renewal is denied because you did not meet the requirements or your documents were incomplete, the state keeps the $28.50 fee. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again once you resolve the issue that caused the denial.

Is there a fee to renew online instead of in person?

No. Online renewal costs the same $28.50 as in-person renewal. There is no discount for renewing online, but you also do not pay extra for the convenience — the fee is identical either way.