How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services Center, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one in hand.

Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current Tennessee driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing in person, bring the originals. If you are renewing by mail, you will send copies.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before expiration and up to six months after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person to a Driver Services Center.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 if your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID, but you must have a valid email address on file with the state.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $27, but only works if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID or a new photo.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs $27, and is required if your license is expired, you need a Real ID, or you want a new photo.
Real ID licenses cost $37 instead of $27 and require proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your other documents.
Payment is by debit card, credit card, or check at Driver Services Centers; online and mail renewals accept debit and credit cards only.

Renewing online if your license is current and you do not need Real ID

Online renewal is the fastest option if your Tennessee driver's license has not yet expired and you do not need a Real ID. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information.

You will need to upload a photo during the online process. You can use a recent photo you already have on your computer, or take one with your phone or webcam. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color, and have a plain background — the same rules as an in-person photo. If the system rejects your photo, you will be told why and can try again or switch to in-person renewal.

After you submit the form and pay the $27 fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail if your license is current and you do not need Real ID

Mail renewal works only if your current license has not expired, you do not need a Real ID, and you do not want a new photo. read the "Renew Your Driver License by Mail" form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-8590 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and enclose a copy of your current driver's license, a copy of your proof of Social Security number, and a copy of your proof of address. Include a check or money order for $27 made out to "Tennessee Department of Safety." Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — it is typically the Driver Services Center in Nashville, but confirm on the form itself.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call 615-251-8590 to check the status. Do not send cash in the mail.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center

Go in person if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, you want a new photo, or online and mail renewal are not working for you. Find the Driver Services Center nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website — there are locations in most counties, and some are open on Saturdays.

Bring your current driver's license, original proof of your Social Security number, original proof of your address, and payment by debit card, credit card, or check. If you need a Real ID, also bring original proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID card. The staff will take a new photo unless you request otherwise.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or Saturday. The process takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to photo. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives in seven to ten business days.

Understanding Real ID and when you need it

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID — a standard Tennessee driver's license will remain valid for driving and most other purposes.

Real ID renewal costs $37 instead of $27 and requires proof of citizenship in addition to your other documents. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online — you must go in person to a Driver Services Center. If your current license is a standard license and you want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do that during any renewal, or you can go in person to a Driver Services Center at any time to request it without waiting for your license to expire.

Your Real ID will be marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you are unsure whether your current license is Real ID or standard, look for the star, or call 615-251-8590 and provide your driver's license number.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than six months

If your Tennessee driver's license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go in person to a Driver Services Center with your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the cost is still $27 (or $37 for Real ID).

Bring your expired license even though it is no longer valid for driving. The staff will use it to confirm your identity and pull your record. If you have lost your expired license, bring a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID card, and let the staff know you do not have the expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you must do it in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The cost is $27 for a standard license or $37 for Real ID.

What if I moved out of state and my Tennessee license expired?

If you no longer live in Tennessee, you cannot renew your Tennessee license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their renewal process.

How long is a renewed Tennessee driver's license valid?

A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A Real ID is also valid for eight years. Your new license will expire on your birthday eight years after you renew it.

Can I renew online if I do not have an email address?

No. Online renewal requires a valid email address on file with the Tennessee Department of Safety. If you do not have an email address, use mail renewal or go in person to a Driver Services Center.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and you can drive on that. If you renewed by mail or online, your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive. Once your old license has expired and you have not received your new one, you should not drive — contact the department to check the status.

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.