The fastest way to renew depends on when your license expires
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $31.50 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person takes one to two hours depending on the location and time of day you visit.
You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired yet, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is the fastest option if your address has not changed and your license is still valid.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license is already expired, you have had an address change, or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center or by mail.
- In-person renewal requires proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence, depending on your situation.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the state website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
Once your information is confirmed, you will choose your license type (four-year or eight-year) and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The state charges a $1.50 processing fee on top of the license cost. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
Request a renewal process by calling the Tennessee Driver Services Center at 615-741-3054. They will mail you the form, which you fill out and return with a check or money order for the renewal fee plus a $1.50 processing fee. Do not send cash.
Include a copy of your current license with your process. Mail everything to the address printed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file once it is approved.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (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). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted at all locations.
What happens if your license is already expired
You cannot renew online if your license has expired. You must renew in person or by mail. If your license expired more than one year ago, the state may require you to pass the written test and vision test again, even though you are just renewing.
Call the Driver Services Center at 615-741-3054 to confirm whether you will need to test. If you do, you will need to study the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the state website. The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
Updating your address or photo during renewal
If you have moved, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The staff will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the updated information.
If you want a new photo but your address has not changed, you still must renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. At a Driver Services Center, the staff will take a new photo as part of the renewal process at no extra cost.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after the state approves your renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, the staff will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, call the Driver Services Center at 615-741-3054. Have your confirmation number ready if you renewed online, or your name and date of birth if you renewed by mail or in person. The staff can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you may have to take the written and vision tests again. Call 615-741-3054 to confirm whether testing is required for your situation before you go to a Driver Services Center.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a Driver Services Center with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The staff will look up your license number in the system and process your renewal in person.
Do I have to renew in person if I changed my name?
Yes. You must renew in person and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. The staff will update your name and issue a new license.
How much does it cost to renew a Tennessee driver's license?
A four-year license costs $27.50 and an eight-year license costs $31.50. Add a $1.50 processing fee for online or mail renewal. In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center has the same fee structure.
What if I want to change my address but not renew my license yet?
You can update your address without renewing by going to a Driver Services Center or calling 615-741-3054. Address changes are free and do not require a new license card to be issued.