What You Need Before You Start
Tennessee lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and you haven't changed your address, name, or other personal information since you got it. You'll need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Before you begin, check that your license hasn't been suspended or revoked. If it has, you cannot renew online and will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person. You can check your license status on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use if you're stopped by police.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid or expired less than one year ago and your personal information hasn't changed.
- You'll need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
- The renewal fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $55 for an eight-year license, paid online at the time of renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can print a temporary license when ready after completing the renewal.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you've changed your address or name, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the "Renew Your Driver License Online" link. Click it to start the renewal process.
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it carefully — if anything is wrong, stop here and renew in person instead, because the online system cannot make corrections.
Choose your license term: four years for $27.50 or eight years for $55. You'll pay this fee by credit or debit card during checkout. After you submit payment, you'll see a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number in case you need to check on your order later.
The system will let you print a temporary license right away. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works the same way as a physical license if you're stopped by police. Your permanent license will arrive separately by mail.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying a fine, completing a required course, or handling a court matter — before you can renew. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out what's required.
If you've changed your name since you got your current license, you cannot renew online. You'll need to visit a Driver Services Center with your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your new address. The same applies if you've moved and your license still shows your old address.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. Tennessee treats licenses expired longer than one year as if they were never issued, so you'll need to explore for a new license in person. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
After you complete the online renewal, Tennessee processes your process within one to two business days. You can check the status of your renewal on the Department of Safety website using your reference number and Social Security number.
Your new physical license ships by mail and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary depending on where you live in Tennessee. If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the Department of Safety with your reference number.
While you're waiting, use the temporary license you printed. It's valid for 30 days and satisfies the same legal requirements as your physical license. After 30 days, you'll need your new physical license to drive legally.
Paying the Renewal Fee
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $27.50, and an eight-year license costs $55. You pay this fee online using a credit or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Tennessee does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online renewals.
The fee is non-refundable once you've submitted your renewal. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot get your money back through the online system. You would need to contact the Department of Safety directly to discuss your options.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the system says your license number or Social Security number is incorrect, double-check that you've entered them exactly as they appear on your license. The system is very strict about matching. If you're still having trouble, you may have entered a typo — try again carefully, or renew in person instead.
If the system rejects your renewal and says your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot proceed online. Call the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is active and has available funds. Some banks flag online government transactions as suspicious. If the problem persists, renew in person at a Driver Services Center and pay with a debit card or check.
Finding a Driver Services Center If You Need to Renew in Person
If you cannot renew online, you'll need to visit a Driver Services Center. Tennessee has centers in every county. Find the one nearest you on the Department of Safety website by entering your county or city name.
Most Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some centers accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local center's website or call ahead before you go.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you've changed your name, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've changed your address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than one year ago. If it expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot renew online for licenses expired longer than one year.
How long does the temporary license last?
The temporary license you print after completing your online renewal is valid for 30 days. After that, you must have your physical license. If your physical license hasn't arrived by then, contact the Department of Safety with your reference number.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal process?
If you made a mistake before submitting payment, you can go back and correct it. If you've already paid and submitted, you cannot change anything online. Contact the Department of Safety with your reference number to discuss your options.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services Center.
Can someone else renew my license for me online?
No. You must complete the online renewal yourself using your own license number and Social Security number. The system requires your personal information to verify your identity.