Where to renew and what you need before you start
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 works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to an office or log in online, gather these documents: your current Tennessee driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring proof of residency if you're renewing online.
The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office; online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired, your address has changed, or you have medical restrictions on your license.
- You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address; bring a name-change document if applicable.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for four years or $57 for eight years, payable by cash, check, or card at an office or by card online.
Renewing online through the Tennessee website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If the system confirms you can proceed, you will enter your new address (if it has not changed, confirm the existing one), choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will usually explain why — most commonly because your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address on file differs from what you entered. In that case, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the document showing the change. Go to the office, check in at the front desk, and wait to be called. A staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Tennessee license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means taking the written test and vision test again, in addition to providing all the documents required for renewal. Reapplication takes longer than renewal and costs more, so if your license expired less than a year ago, renew it now rather than waiting.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it in person at a Driver Services office using the standard renewal process. You cannot renew online if your license is expired, regardless of how recently it expired. Bring all the same documents and expect the same timeline — 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive.
Renewing if you have medical restrictions or a commercial license
If your current license has medical restrictions noted on it (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person. The Driver Services office will review your restrictions and may ask you to provide updated medical documentation or take a vision test. You cannot renew online in this situation.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must also renew in person. CDL renewals require a medical examination by a certified medical examiner, and you must bring the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) to the office. The renewal process is otherwise the same, but plan for a longer visit because the office will need to review your medical documentation and driving record.
Changing your address during renewal
If you are renewing online and your address has changed since your last license, you cannot complete the renewal online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
If you are renewing in person, straightforward provide your new address when you check in. The staff member will update it in the system and print it on your new license. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide, so make sure it is correct before you leave the office.
What to do if your new license doesn't arrive
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Have your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your temporary paper license ready. The department can check the status of your license and remail it if necessary.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your temporary paper license (issued in person) or your confirmation email (from online renewal) can serve as proof of renewal. Some employers and institutions will accept these as temporary proof of a valid license. If you have questions about whether a specific organization will accept your temporary proof, contact them directly before you need to present it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
You can renew online from anywhere if you meet the may be able to access requirements (current license, no medical restrictions, no address change). If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Tennessee Driver Services office in person — you cannot renew by mail or through an out-of-state office.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license. You must report it lost and reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written and vision tests again. Go to a Driver Services office with proof of your Social Security number and current address to start the reapplication process.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Driver Services offices do not require appointments, but some allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area. Walk-ins are accepted at all locations.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Tennessee license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire.
What if my name changed after my last renewal?
Bring the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your renewal appointment. The staff member will update your name in the system and print it on your new license. If you renewed online before changing your name, you must renew in person the next time to update your name.