What happens when your Tennessee driver's license expires
Once your Tennessee driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee or use it as a form of identification for most purposes. The state does not give you a grace period — the moment the expiration date passes, the license is no longer valid. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving an expired license, you can be cited, and the violation may result in a fine.
The good news is that Tennessee makes renewal straightforward if you renew within a certain window. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a Driver Services office in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to go to a Driver Services center and take the written and vision tests again, as if you were a new driver.
Key Takeaways
- An expired Tennessee driver's license is not valid for driving or identification, and driving with one can result in a citation and fine.
- If your license expired within the past five years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office or retaking tests.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a Driver Services center, pass the written test, and pass the vision test.
- Online renewal takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your Social Security number, current mailing address, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail) to renew.
Renewing online if your license expired within five years
The fastest way to renew is through the Tennessee Driver Services online portal at tn.gov/safety/driverlicense. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your current address and any other information that may have changed.
Online renewal costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. Once you submit your process and payment, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can drive legally during this time if you print and carry your online confirmation receipt, though you should not rely on this as your only form of identification.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within five years
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail a renewal process to the Tennessee Driver Services office. read the DL 43 form from the Driver Services website or request one by calling 615-741-3054. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $28.50 (four-year license) or $57 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the office receives your process. Include a copy of a current utility bill or other document showing your current address if you have moved since your license was issued. Do not send your expired license unless the form specifically asks for it; the state will not return it.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services center in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of legal presence in the United States (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card).
At the office, you will take the written knowledge test and the vision test. You will not need to take the road test unless you are renewing a commercial driver's license or have other special circumstances. The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. Most Driver Services centers issue your new license the same day, though some locations may mail it to you.
Finding a Driver Services office and wait times
Tennessee has Driver Services centers in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at tn.gov/safety/driverlicense. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. During peak times — typically mid-morning on weekdays and all day on Saturdays — wait times can exceed one hour.
If you want to avoid waiting, call the office ahead of time to ask about the current volume. Many offices are less busy on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Some Driver Services centers are located inside county clerk offices or other government buildings, so confirm the exact address and hours before you go.
What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives
If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived yet, you can drive legally while carrying your printed online confirmation receipt or your renewal process receipt. This is not a substitute for your actual license, and law enforcement may question it, but it shows that you have a pending renewal. Keep the receipt in your vehicle.
If you cannot wait for your new license to arrive and you need a valid ID when ready, you can visit a Driver Services center and pay for an expedited license. Expedited licenses cost more than standard renewals and are issued on the spot. Ask about expedited options when you call or visit the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license if I have already submitted a renewal process?
Yes, if you have submitted an online or mail renewal process and have your confirmation receipt. Carry the receipt with you. However, if your license expired more than five years ago and you have not yet visited a Driver Services center, you cannot legally drive until you complete the in-person renewal process and receive your new license.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. For online or mail renewal, you will need your driver's license number, which you can look up on the Driver Services website if you have your Social Security number and date of birth. If you cannot find your number, visit a Driver Services center and bring your Social Security card and proof of address; staff can look it up for you.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired more than five years ago?
Yes. Tennessee requires the written knowledge test and vision test for any renewal after five years of expiration. You do not need to take the road test unless you are renewing a commercial license or have special circumstances. Study materials are available on the Driver Services website.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Tennessee driver's license?
A four-year license costs $28.50, and an eight-year license costs $57. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Expedited licenses cost more; ask the Driver Services office for current expedited pricing.
What if my address has changed since my license expired?
Update your address during the renewal process. For online renewal, you will be asked to confirm or correct your address. For mail renewal, include a current utility bill or lease showing your new address. For in-person renewal, bring a document showing your new address and the office will update it when they issue your new license.