Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current 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 your address has changed, you'll also need to show proof of residency at your new location. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since you last renewed.
If you're renewing online, you'll log into your account on the Tennessee Department of Safety website, answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and works for everyone, including those with medical restrictions or address changes.
- You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address for in-person renewal.
- Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you'll renew again eight years after your current renewal date.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices tend to be less crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you want to check the current wait time before you go, some offices display it on their location page.
The cost of renewal in Tennessee
An in-person renewal costs $27.50 for an eight-year license. Online renewal costs $24.50 because you're not using office staff time or equipment. If you renew in person and pay by credit or debit card, there is an additional $1.25 processing fee; cash payments have no extra fee.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may not be able to renew by mail or online and will need to visit an office in person. The office staff can tell you whether you need to retake the written test or vision test, which would add time to your visit.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it through the normal process without retaking any tests. If it expired more than 12 months ago, Tennessee requires you to pass a vision test and may require you to pass the written knowledge test as well, depending on how long it has been expired. You'll need to do this in person at a Driver Services office.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could receive a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired or is about to expire.
Renewing when your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last renewal—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You'll need this for in-person renewal; online renewal does not allow name changes.
If only your address has changed, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address. Do not wait to update your address; Tennessee law requires you to notify the Driver Services office of an address change within 10 days of moving.
How long your renewed license is valid
A renewed Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your renewal date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
If you renew early, your new license's expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. This means renewing early extends your license validity beyond what it would have been if you had waited.
Special situations: Medical restrictions and commercial licenses
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot renew online. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus any medical documentation your restriction requires.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The renewal process is the same, but the office will verify your medical certification and commercial driving record before issuing your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?
No. Tennessee requires proof of your Social Security number for all renewals. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the Driver Services office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You'll need to replace your lost license first, which requires a visit to a Driver Services office. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through the normal process. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The office can often handle both the replacement and renewal in one visit.
How do I renew online if I've never done it before?
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety website and look for the online renewal portal. You'll need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Follow the prompts to verify your information, review the renewal fee, and submit payment. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if my address proof document is older than 60 days?
Tennessee requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, bring a second document that shows your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Two documents together can satisfy the requirement even if each one is slightly outside the 60-day window.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office to renew your license. The office staff will take a new photo and verify your identity. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local Driver Services office to ask about accommodations or alternative procedures.