Renewing your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Which route works depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online in about 10 minutes without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date, which gives you time to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face restrictions on what you can do while the renewal is processing.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 for a standard eight-year license.
- You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you have changed your address.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you visit in person; the exact documents vary by situation.
- Processing times range from a few days for online renewal to two to three weeks for mail renewal, depending on the method you choose.
Renewing online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
Online renewal is the fastest option for most people. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Driver License Services," and choose the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The fee is $27 for a standard eight-year license.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person instead. After you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within five to seven business days.
Renewing by mail if you meet the requirements
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You will need to request a mail renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can do this by calling their main line or visiting a Driver Services Center in person to pick up the form.
Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee of $27. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no trip to an office. If your address has changed or you need a new photo, you cannot use this method.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you have moved to a new address, you need a new photo, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Find the Driver Services Center nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website, which lists all locations and hours. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The renewal fee is $27 for a standard eight-year license.
The appointment process varies by location. Some Driver Services Centers take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Check your local center's page to see whether appointments are required. Processing time at the counter is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot drive legally while your renewal is being processed, so plan accordingly.
Some people worry about penalties for driving with an expired license. Tennessee law treats an expired license differently from a suspended or revoked one, but you should not drive until your renewal is complete. If you are stopped by law enforcement, explain that your renewal is in process and show proof of your process if you have it.
Fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year driver's license in Tennessee is $27. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher; check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for current commercial license fees, as they vary by license class.
Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires you to include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing in person and paying by card, the Driver Services Center will process the payment when ready.
Timeline: when to expect your new license
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. In-person renewal also takes five to seven business days for mailing, though you complete the process at the counter in 15 to 30 minutes. Mail renewal is the slowest, taking two to three weeks from the time the department receives your envelope, plus mailing time on both ends.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a Driver Services Center. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Ask about this option when you renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You will need to renew in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal. The Driver Services Center can look up your license information in the system even if you do not have the physical card.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not necessarily. Online and mail renewal keep your existing photo. In-person renewal gives you the option to take a new photo or keep your old one. If your photo is more than eight years old, you may want a new one, but it is not required.
How long is my renewed license valid?
Your renewed Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before it expires.
What if I move out of Tennessee before my license expires?
You should renew your license in your new state according to that state's rules. Tennessee will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their renewal process.