Renewing your Tennessee driver's license online or in person
Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a Driver Services office if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services office. The online route is fastest — you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes a few minutes at the office, and you can get a temporary license to use when ready.
Your license can be renewed up to one year before it expires and up to five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew it.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website works if your license isn't expired yet, you haven't changed your address, and you don't need a REAL ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form and payment.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is when ready — you'll walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 days.
- You'll need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you're renewing for (typically $27.50 for a four-year renewal).
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license and pass the written and vision tests.
Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
To renew online, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check). The system will ask you to confirm your address and personal information.
Online renewal is only available if your license hasn't expired yet, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a REAL ID. If you've moved, changed your name, or want to upgrade to a REAL ID, you must renew in person or by mail. The fee is charged to your card when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read the DL 43 form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or request one by calling 615-251-8590. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — typically the Driver Services office in Nashville.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your packet. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the office does not accept credit cards by mail. If you need your license sooner, this method is slower than online or in-person renewal, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days.
Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the best choice if you've moved, changed your name, want a REAL ID, or need your license when ready. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
What you need to bring and what it costs
For any renewal method, you'll need to pay the renewal fee. A four-year renewal costs $27.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $55. You can renew for either length depending on your preference. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you're renewing online, you only need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. For mail renewal, send your current license, the completed DL 43 form, and a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.
If your license has expired or changed significantly
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. explore for a new license requires you to visit a Driver Services office, pass the written test and vision test, and pay the new license fee (around $27.50 for a four-year license).
If you've changed your name since your license was issued, you can renew in person or by mail, but you'll need to bring a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online renewal will not work if your name has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Tennessee license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license isn't expired and your address hasn't changed. If you've moved out of state, renew by mail or in person during a visit to Tennessee, since you'll need to update your address and cannot do that online.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days when ready. If you renew online or by mail, you won't have a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. In-person renewal is your only option for when ready use.
Do I need a REAL ID to renew my driver's license in Tennessee?
No. A standard driver's license renewal doesn't require REAL ID. However, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID at renewal time, you must renew in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to report the damage. They can issue a replacement. You may need to pay a replacement fee, which is typically lower than a full renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Tennessee does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may flag your license. If you're unsure, contact the court where the ticket was issued before renewing. Renewing won't clear an outstanding fine, but it won't be prevented by one either in most cases.