Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit.
For either method, bring your current driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, just the number.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any Driver Services office or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you get a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to any office location.
- Tennessee driver's licenses expire on your birthday and cost $28 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal.
- If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need additional documents from your doctor or the court.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your vision and address information have not changed since your last renewal. You cannot renew by mail if you are over 70 years old or if your license has been expired for more than one year.
To renew by mail, contact Driver Services at 615-741-3054 or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to request a renewal packet. They will mail you the form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($28 for four years or $48 for eight years), and mail everything back to the address on the packet. Do not send cash. You will receive your new license in the mail within two to three weeks.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Walk into any Driver Services office during business hours — no appointment needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you are renewing your license. They will take your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions
If your license is suspended — for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. The staff will tell you whether the suspension can be lifted during your visit or whether you need to resolve the underlying issue first (such as paying a fine or completing a court-ordered program).
If you have medical restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or an automatic transmission only, you must renew in person. You may need to bring a medical form completed by your doctor confirming that you still meet the restriction requirements. Ask the Driver Services office which form your doctor needs to complete before your appointment.
Renewing early and understanding expiration dates
Your Tennessee driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date without penalty. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, just four or eight years from the renewal date you choose.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a Driver Services office in person.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license during renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can replace it during the renewal process. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal — proof of residency, Social Security number, and any name-change documents if applicable. You do not need to bring the old license itself.
At the Driver Services office, tell the staff that you are renewing and replacing a lost or damaged license. The process is the same: they will verify your information, take a new photo, and charge you the standard renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. If you are renewing by mail and your license is lost or damaged, call 615-741-3054 to request a replacement packet instead of a standard renewal packet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Tennessee does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.
What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it as a Tennessee license at any Driver Services office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number. You will receive a Tennessee license with a new number.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No appointment is required. Walk-ins are accepted at all Driver Services offices during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will update your name during renewal. Mail renewal is not available if your name has changed; you must renew in person.
How long does the temporary license last?
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary covers you during that time. You can drive legally with the temporary license.