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 takes about 30 minutes; online renewal, when available to you, takes a few minutes from home.
For either method, you'll need your current Tennessee driver's license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you're renewing in person, you'll also have a new photo taken at the office. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for its full validity period.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license plus proof of residency dated within 60 days.
- A new license costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of renewal; you can use your receipt as a temporary license until it arrives.
Renewing online through the Tennessee website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing, and your address is the same as what's on file from your last renewal.
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select "Online Services," and follow the prompts to renew. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You'll upload a digital photo or use an existing one from your file. Payment is by credit or debit card.
Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Keep your receipt — it serves as a temporary license until your new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
If you can't renew online or prefer to renew in person, visit any Driver Services office. Tennessee has offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You don't need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments to reduce wait time — check the website for your local office. A staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot.
You'll pay at the time of renewal: $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want. You'll receive a receipt that works as a temporary license when ready, and your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
An expired license is still valid identification for the renewal process, so you don't need to bring additional ID. The staff will process your renewal the same way as a non-expired renewal, and you'll receive a temporary receipt and a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. Online renewal is not available when your address has changed.
At the Driver Services office, provide your current license, proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The staff will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct address printed on it.
Renewing with a medical restriction or endorsement
If your license has a medical restriction — such as corrective lenses required, or a hearing aid required — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person so the office can verify that your restriction is still necessary.
Some endorsements, like a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement, also require in-person renewal and may require a test. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The staff will ask about your medical condition and may ask you to read a chart or perform other checks before issuing your new license.
How long your new license is valid
When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $28.50; an eight-year license costs $57. Both are valid for their full term from the date of issue, so an eight-year license issued today will not expire for eight years.
Your new license will show the expiration date clearly on the front. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder a few months before that date so you don't accidentally let it expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Tennessee does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you're may be able to access, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is the fastest option for those who may have access to.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Contact your local Driver Services office for a replacement. You'll need proof of identity and residency, and you'll pay a replacement fee. The office can tell you the exact fee when you call.
How do I know which Driver Services office is closest to me?
Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use the office locator tool. It shows all offices by county, their hours, and whether they accept appointments. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so checking ahead can save you time.
Can I renew early, before my license expires?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't change the cost or the validity period — your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the date of issue, not from your old expiration date.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
Bring a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew in person with this document, or online if you also meet the other online renewal requirements. The staff will update your name in the system and print it correctly on your new license.