Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll send your current license and a completed Form DL-43 to the address on the renewal notice you receive.

Tennessee sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mailbox when you're within that window. The notice tells you whether you're may be able to access to renew by mail — most people are, unless your address has changed, your license was suspended, or you need to update your photo.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Driver Services office or by mail if your renewal notice says you're may be able to access.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually done the same day.
  • Your new license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older.
  • You cannot renew online in Tennessee, but you can check your renewal status on the Driver Services website.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out a short form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or $19 for a four-year license if you're 65 or older. You'll walk out with your new license the same day.

Driver Services offices are located in most counties. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or mid-week visits tend to have shorter waits. You don't need an appointment for renewal, but some offices offer them; check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

Renewing by mail

If your renewal notice says you're may be able to access to renew by mail, you can skip the office visit. Sign the back of your current license, fill out Form DL-43 (which comes with your renewal notice), and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of your proof of residency — the same documents that work in person (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Driver Services office receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your renewal notice. If you don't receive your renewal notice 60 days before expiration, you can request Form DL-43 from the Driver Services website or pick one up at any office.

When you cannot renew by mail

You must renew in person if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if your license was suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, or if you're changing your name. You also cannot renew by mail if you're a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder — CDLs must be renewed in person.

If your renewal notice says you're ineligible for mail renewal but doesn't explain why, call the Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-8590 to find out what's required before you visit an office.

License validity and expiration

A renewed Tennessee driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 65 years old, or four years if you're 65 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so there's no penalty for renewing early — in fact, renewing early means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process, but you may need to visit an office in person rather than renewing by mail. Check your renewal notice or call Driver Services to confirm.

Checking your renewal status online

You can check whether your renewal has been processed on the Tennessee Driver Services website. Enter your license number and date of birth to see the status of a mail renewal or to confirm that an in-person renewal was completed. This is useful if you renewed by mail and want to know when to expect your new license in the mail.

If you renewed in person, your new license should be in your hands when ready. If you renewed by mail and the status shows it's been processed but you haven't received your license after three weeks, contact Driver Services to check on the mailing status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license using the same process as a current one. However, you may be required to renew in person rather than by mail if your license has been expired for more than a year. Call Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to confirm what's needed for your situation.

What counts as proof of residency?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within 90 days of your renewal. The document must show your current address and your name. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not unless your renewal notice says you do, or you're renewing in person and your photo is more than eight years old. If you're renewing by mail and your notice doesn't mention a photo, your old photo will be used on your new license.

How much does it cost to renew?

The fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or $19 for a four-year license if you're 65 or older. You pay this fee whether you renew in person or by mail. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; mail renewals require a check or money order.

What if I moved to a different address since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and your Social Security number. Your new license will show your updated address.