Where to go for your renewal in Knoxville

The Knoxville Driver Services Center is located at 2675 Asbury Road, Knoxville, TN 37914. This is the main location where you can renew your driver's license in person. The center is operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which handles all driver licensing in the state.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions — more on that below. But if you need to renew in person, the Asbury Road location is where Knoxville residents go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Knoxville Driver Services Center at 2675 Asbury Road is open Monday through Friday, and you do not need an appointment for most renewals.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • If your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change in the last five years, you may renew by mail instead.
  • The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
  • Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license — this is your primary ID for the renewal. You also need proof of your current address in Knoxville. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A bank statement or government mail also counts if it shows your name and address.

You will need to prove your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2, tax return, or a document from Social Security. If you do not have any of these, call the Knoxville center ahead of time — they can sometimes work with other documents, but it varies.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.

Hours and how long it takes

The Knoxville Driver Services Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but you can call ahead at (865) 594-6600 if you want to check wait times or have questions about your specific situation.

At the counter, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out the renewal form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. After that, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Most people receive it within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Renewing by mail instead

If your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name in the last five years, and your address has not changed in the last five years, you can renew by mail. This means you do not have to go to the Knoxville center at all.

To renew by mail, contact the Tennessee Driver Services office at 1-615-741-3054 or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail it with the $28.50 fee (check or money order only for mail renewals). Send it to the address on the form. Processing takes about three to four weeks by mail, longer than in person.

If you have had any address changes, name changes, or vision changes since your last renewal, you must renew in person at the Knoxville center instead. The mail option only works if nothing has changed.

The renewal fee and payment options

A four-year driver's license costs $28.50. An eight-year license costs $57. You choose which one you want when you renew. At the Knoxville center, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can only pay by check or money order.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional fees unless you request a duplicate license or add a special endorsement like a motorcycle endorsement.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to the Knoxville center in person. You will also need to pass a vision test at the counter. Bring the same documents as above: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail if the other conditions are met (no name or address changes). But if it expired more than a year ago, the in-person visit is required.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you still need to go to the Knoxville center. Bring proof of your identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate), proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. Tell the staff that you are renewing a lost license. They will issue a new one on the spot, and you pay the same renewal fee.

Do not wait to renew until after your license expires if it is lost. Renewing a lost license before expiration is simpler than renewing an expired one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Tennessee does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at the Knoxville Driver Services Center or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, with your new license arriving in one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from Social Security instead. If you do not have any of these, call the Knoxville center at (865) 594-6600 before you go. They may be able to work with other documents, but it depends on your situation.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Knoxville center?

No appointment is required for a standard renewal. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call ahead to check wait times if you want to know the best time to visit.

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

After you renew in person, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Most people receive it within one to two weeks. By mail renewal takes about three to four weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks of renewing in person, call the center to check the status.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?

Tennessee does not suspend renewals for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding tickets. However, the state may suspend your license separately if a court orders it, so check your court records if you are unsure.