Tennessee driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license through three routes: online at the TDOT website if you meet certain conditions, by mail using the renewal packet sent to your address, or in person at any Driver Services office. The online route is fastest — you receive your renewed license in 7 to 10 business days — but only works if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you bring the right documents, though you may wait in line.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you have not received it 45 days before expiration, contact TDOT at 615-741-3954 or visit a Driver Services office to request one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the TDOT website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $27.50, but only works if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal uses the packet mailed to your address and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you need your renewal notice and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services office is when ready and requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and contains the renewal code needed for online or mail renewal.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online before using mail renewal.
Online renewal through the TDOT website
Go to the TDOT Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your renewal code from the notice mailed to you, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to verify your address and confirm that you have no medical restrictions and no outstanding violations.
Online renewal costs $27.50. Your renewed license ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. This route does not work if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if your address has changed, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
The renewal packet mailed to your address contains a form, instructions, and a return envelope. Fill out the form, enclose a check or money order for $27.50 made payable to the State of Tennessee, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Do not send cash. Mail the packet at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery.
Mail renewal works only if your address has not changed since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must update your address online through the TDOT website before mailing your renewal, or renew in person instead. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date TDOT receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. Bring a debit or credit card or a check to pay the $27.50 renewal fee.
In-person renewal is the only option if your address has changed, if you have medical restrictions, or if your license expired more than one year ago. You receive your renewed license when ready after your visit, though you may wait in line during busy times. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, renewal code from notice, payment method | $27.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Renewal packet, check or money order | $27.50 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person | Current license, proof of address, Social Security number, payment method | $27.50 | when ready |
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address has changed. You must visit a Driver Services office to update your address and receive your new license. The same applies if your license has medical restrictions, if it expired more than one year ago, or if you have unpaid child support or outstanding traffic violations.
If your renewal notice did not arrive, or if you lost it, you can still renew in person by bringing your current license and proof of address. You can also request a replacement notice by calling TDOT at 615-741-3954, though requesting in person at a Driver Services office is faster.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in most counties. The TDOT website has a searchable office locator that shows hours, address, and phone number for each location. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead can tell you whether a particular office has a long wait. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offering Saturday morning hours.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, mail renewal or online renewal (if you meet the conditions) may save you a trip. If neither works for you, plan your in-person visit during off-peak hours — early morning or late afternoon on weekdays typically have shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but only in person or by mail. Online renewal does not work for licenses expired more than one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, visit a Driver Services office with your current license, proof of address, and Social Security number. The renewal fee remains $27.50.
What if I did not receive my renewal notice?
Call TDOT at 615-741-3954 and request a replacement notice, or visit a Driver Services office in person. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of address. You can renew when ready without the notice if you visit an office.
Can I renew online if I moved to a new address?
No. Online and mail renewal only work if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your renewed license ships within 7 to 10 business days of completing your online renewal. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Driver Services office instead.
What payment methods does Tennessee accept for license renewal?
Online renewal accepts debit or credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the State of Tennessee — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, checks, and money orders.