How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Tennessee driver's license renewal happens through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, either in person at a Driver Services office or online if you meet certain conditions

Tennessee offers two main paths to renew: online through the REAL ID portal if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, or in person at any Driver Services office if you need to update information, your license is already expired, or you prefer face-to-face processing. Online renewal takes about one week; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day. You cannot renew by mail in Tennessee.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need for online renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you just need your driver's license number and Social Security number to start the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the REAL ID portal works only if your license is current, your address has not changed, and you have your renewal code from your notice.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired, you have moved, or you need to update your name, address, or other information.
Tennessee Driver Services offices are located in every county; you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the TDOSHS website.
A renewed license costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, payable by card or check at in-person locations.
You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.

Online renewal through the REAL ID portal

To renew online, go to the Tennessee REAL ID portal at tn.gov/safety and select "Renew Your License." You will need your renewal code from your notice, your current driver's license number, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and photograph, then direct you to pay the renewal fee by card.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions added. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

After you complete online renewal, the Department mails your new license within seven to ten business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so if you need to drive when ready, renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your documents and complete the renewal the same day. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance declaration), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. Driver Services offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You will receive your new license on the spot and can drive when ready. Your old license is returned to the Department.

What happens if your license is already expired

An expired Tennessee license cannot be renewed online — you must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal the same way, and you will receive your new license when ready.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your renewal notice as proof that you have applied, but this does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, some offices may require you to retake the written test or vision screening. Call your local Driver Services office before you go to confirm what documents they need.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal — you must go to a Driver Services office. Bring your new proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. The office will update your address and issue your new license on the same day.

Other changes that require in-person renewal include a name change, a change to your organ donor status, or a change to your medical conditions or restrictions. If you are unsure whether your situation requires in-person renewal, call your local Driver Services office or check the TDOSHS website.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal

Tennessee does not allow online renewal for commercial driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security number, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875) if your CDL requires one. The renewal fee is the same as for a standard license: $28.50 for four years or $57 for eight years.

CDL renewals take longer than standard renewals because the office must verify your medical status and driving record. Allow extra time and consider visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid longer waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You do not need to wait for the notice. If you are renewing online, you can use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal code. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency, and the office will process your renewal.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to replace your license first, then renew. Go to a Driver Services office with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license and can process your renewal in the same visit. You will pay both fees: $28.50 or $57 for the renewal, plus a replacement fee.

How long does a renewed Tennessee license last?

You choose either a four-year license ($28.50) or an eight-year license ($57) at renewal. The expiration date is printed on your new license. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding ticket or suspension?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Driver Services office or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it. Once it is cleared, you can renew in person.

What if I am out of state when my license expires?

You can renew online if you meet the other conditions (current license, no address change, no CDL). If you cannot renew online, you will need to return to Tennessee to renew in person, or you can ask a family member or trusted person to renew on your behalf by bringing your documents to a Driver Services office — though the office may require a notarized power of attorney.

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.