Tennessee allows online renewal for most driver's licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Tennessee driver's license online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if your current license is still valid (not yet expired) and you have not renewed online in the past two consecutive times. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $27.50, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online renewal system — you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center. The same applies if you have renewed online twice in a row; your third renewal must happen at a physical location.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current Tennessee license has not expired and you have not renewed online for the previous two renewals.
- The online renewal fee is $27.50, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process online.
- If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal without visiting a Driver Services Center.
- Renewal online does not include a new photo; your current photo remains on your license unless you choose to visit in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Tennessee driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You will also need a debit card or credit card to pay the $27.50 renewal fee. The online system does not accept checks, cash, or money orders.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, have your new address available. You can update your address during the online renewal process without needing to visit a Driver Services Center in person. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot handle that change online — you must visit a Driver Services Center with proof of the name change.
Steps to renew online through the TDOSHS website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into your account. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review your current information on file. If your address has changed, update it at this step. Confirm that your name, date of birth, and other details are correct. Once you have verified all information, proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card details and submit the $27.50 renewal fee.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save this confirmation for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
If your license has expired, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit a Driver Services Center with your expired license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). Renewal at a Driver Services Center costs $27.50 and takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location.
You also cannot renew online if you have renewed online for two consecutive renewal cycles. Tennessee's system requires that every third renewal happen in person. This rule exists to may support your photo and identity information are updated periodically. If you are at your third renewal, you must visit a Driver Services Center.
Name changes, address changes that require a new mailing address verification, and corrections to your license class or restrictions all require an in-person visit. If you need a new photo (because your appearance has changed significantly or you straightforward want a new one), you must renew at a Driver Services Center rather than online.
How long the process takes and when your new license arrives
The online renewal itself takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Once you submit payment and receive your confirmation number, the processing begins when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 3 to 5 business days in most cases, though the postal service typically takes an additional 3 to 5 business days for delivery. Plan for 7 to 10 business days total from submission to arrival.
During this time, your current license remains valid. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose until your new license arrives. There is no gap in your driving privileges. If you need your new license urgently — for example, if you are traveling soon — visiting a Driver Services Center in person is faster; you can receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within a few days.
What information stays the same and what changes on your renewed license
Your photo does not change when you renew online. The photo from your previous license is carried forward to your new license. Your license class, restrictions, and endorsements remain the same unless you specifically request a change (which requires an in-person visit). Your driver's license number stays the same throughout your life in Tennessee.
Your expiration date will be extended. Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. When you renew online, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you complete the renewal. If you update your address during online renewal, your new address will appear on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I renew online but my license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. They can issue a replacement license. If the error is their mistake, there is typically no additional fee. Bring your damaged license to a Driver Services Center if you need a replacement urgently.
Can I renew my license online if I have an out-of-state address now?
No. Online renewal requires a Tennessee address. If you have moved out of state, you must renew your license in person at a Driver Services Center before you leave, or you must obtain a license in your new state. Tennessee does not renew licenses for residents who no longer live in the state.
Do I need to take a new photo or pass a vision test to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not include a vision test or new photo. Your current photo carries over to your new license. If you want a new photo or need to update your vision prescription on file, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
What happens if my payment fails during online renewal?
If your card is declined or the payment does not go through, the system will prompt you to try again with the same card or a different payment method. Your personal information is not saved if payment fails, so you will need to start the renewal process over. Make sure your card has sufficient funds and is not flagged for fraud before attempting renewal.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. The online system checks your driving record before allowing renewal. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or agency, then visit a Driver Services Center to renew in person.