What you need to renew your Tennessee driver license

Tennessee lets you renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person.

Your current Tennessee driver license is the main document you need. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the address listed on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services Center is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your address or other information.
  • Tennessee driver licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose at renewal.

Renewing online through the Tennessee website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and let you know right away whether you can renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and your address on file is current. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you complete the online process and pay the fee by debit or credit card, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online but does not require a trip to a Driver Services Center. read the driver license renewal form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-8590 to request one. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing is complete. Keep track of when you mailed it so you know when to expect your new license. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Driver Services Center to check the status.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or other personal information, or if you want to update your photo. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to bring payment for the renewal fee.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find the Driver Services Center nearest you and check its hours. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead to ask about current traffic at your local center.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.

The process is the same as a regular renewal, but the office staff will verify your information more carefully because your license has been expired for a long time. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the center's procedures. Call your local Driver Services Center ahead of time to ask whether you will receive your license when ready or by mail.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew, you can choose a license that is valid for four years or eight years. The renewal fee is $28.50 for four years and $57 for eight years. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for twice as long. A four-year license is cheaper but requires you to renew more often.

Think about how often you want to handle renewal and how much you want to spend at one time. If you prefer to renew less often and can afford the higher fee, an eight-year license makes sense. If you want to keep your costs lower and do not mind renewing every four years, a four-year license works just as well. Either way, your license will work the same way while it is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. Bring your expired license and the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal may give you your license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on your local Driver Services Center. Call ahead to ask what your center does.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

If you are renewing by mail or online, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease. The office will update your address and print it on your new license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Tennessee Driver Services Centers do not require appointments and accept walk-ins. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Call your local center ahead of time to ask about current wait times, or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find hours and contact information.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person and bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The office will issue you a replacement license and handle the renewal at the same time.