What you need to do to renew in Tennessee
To renew your Tennessee driver's license, you can either go in person to a Driver Services Center or renew online if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the counter. Online renewal, if available to you, takes a few minutes from home and costs less.
Tennessee lets you renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
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 Center requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- A renewed license costs $28.50 for an eight-year license or $19 for a four-year license, with discounts available for seniors and people with disabilities.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services Center and check wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Renewing online through the Tennessee website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal costs $28.50 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by debit or credit card during the process. Once you complete the transaction, you're done—your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it means one of the restrictions applies: your license is expired, you have medical restrictions on your license, or your address has changed. In that case, you'll need to visit a Driver Services Center in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services Center
Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many centers let you check current wait times before you go. You can also call ahead to ask about busy times.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address), and know your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring the proof document that shows your new address.
At the counter, you'll have your photo taken and sign your new license. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll pay $28.50 for an eight-year license or $19 for a four-year license. If you're 65 or older, the cost is $19 for eight years. People with disabilities may receive discounts—ask the staff member when you arrive.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a Driver Services Center in person. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Tennessee allows you to renew up to one year after your license expires without taking a new written test or vision test. If more than one year has passed since expiration, you'll need to take both tests and pay the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal.
An expired license is not valid for driving, so plan your visit soon after expiration. If you're pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation.
Medical restrictions and address changes
If your current license has medical restrictions—such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only—you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver Services Center so staff can review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you also cannot use online renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to a Driver Services Center. The staff will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct information.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
After you complete your renewal—whether online or in person—your new license is printed and mailed to your address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
If you need your new license sooner, some Driver Services Centers offer expedited printing for an additional fee. You can pick up your license the same day or within a few days. Ask about this option when you renew in person, or call your local center to ask whether they offer it.
Your new license will have the same number as your current one. The expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you chose the shorter term).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Tennessee does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the conditions, or you must visit a Driver Services Center in person. There is no third option.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to a Driver Services Center and tell the staff your license is lost. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You'll get a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license is not expired.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Tennessee Driver Services Centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may offer appointment scheduling. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for your local center's policy.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Visit a Driver Services Center in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Staff will update your name and issue your new license.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.