How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Tennessee

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you will wait in line.

Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold. Standard driver's licenses and commercial licenses have different renewal rules, and some people must renew in person no matter what.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website takes 15 minutes and costs $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.
You can renew online only if your current license is valid, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you are not a commercial driver.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and payment to the address on the form; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at any Driver Services Center requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with medical restrictions must be renewed in person at a Driver Services Center.

Renewing online through the state website

Online renewal is available at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has expired for more than one year, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if your license has medical restrictions or endorsements. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you complete the online form and pay, the state mails your new license to the address on file. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $54 for eight years) to the address printed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact a Driver Services Center by phone to check the status. Keep your current license until your new one arrives — you can legally drive on an expired license for a short period after you have mailed in your renewal, but do not wait too long to send it.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center

You can walk into any Driver Services Center in Tennessee and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will pay the same fee as online or mail renewal: $27 for four years or $54 for eight years.

The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the center is. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license, if your license has medical restrictions, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.

To find the Driver Services Center nearest you and check current wait times, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call their customer service line. Some centers are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. A new license requires you to visit a Driver Services Center in person, pass a vision test, and provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The process is longer and more involved than renewal.

If your license expired while you were deployed with the military, you may be may be able to access for an extension. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to ask about military extensions before you assume you need to explore for a new license.

Commercial driver's licenses and medical restrictions

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and any medical certification documents required by federal law. The renewal fee is the same as for a standard license.

If your license has medical restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required, or a motorcycle endorsement), you must also renew in person. The state needs to verify that your medical condition or endorsement status has not changed since your last renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have changed my address?

If you changed your address after your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The center will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.

What if I lost my current license?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew — you must explore for a replacement. A replacement requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services Center with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as renewal. You will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 days.

How much does it cost to renew in Tennessee?

A four-year renewal costs $27. An eight-year renewal costs $54. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by check, money order, or card depending on which method you choose.

Can I renew early before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire one year (or eight years, depending on which term you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

If you changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring legal proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The center will update your name and issue your new license. The renewal fee is the same.

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.