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. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

The online renewal system is run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your license expired more than a year ago, if you've moved, or if you need to change your name or address, you cannot renew online — you'll need to visit a driver services center in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago and your address hasn't changed.
  • The renewal fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $68.75 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select "Renew Driver License Online" to start the process.

Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process

Start at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Look for the link labeled "Renew Driver License Online" — it's on the main page under driver license services. Click it to enter the renewal system.

You'll be asked to 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 — make sure your name, date of birth, and address are all correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and visit a driver services center instead, because you cannot change information online.

Next, choose your license type: a four-year license or an eight-year license. The four-year license costs $27.50. The eight-year license costs $68.75. Select which one you want and proceed to payment.

Enter your payment information. Tennessee accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — keep this for your records.

What Happens After You Pay

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You'll get a confirmation email with your transaction number. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file.

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your license is printed. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the new license to arrive.

If you don't receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and remail it if needed.

When You Cannot Renew Online

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you'll need to visit a driver services center and renew in person. You'll need to bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return).

You also cannot renew online if you've moved and need to update your address. Even if your license is still valid, address changes must be done at a driver services center. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If you need to change your name, you'll need to visit in person as well. Bring your current license and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Finding a Driver Services Center If You Need One

Tennessee has driver services centers in every county. To find the one nearest you, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city, and the site will show you the address, hours, and phone number.

Many centers accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check the website for your specific location. Appointments can usually be booked online through the same website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it's been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person at a driver services center.

What if I moved but haven't updated my address yet?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You'll need to visit a driver services center in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid for driving during this time, so you don't need to do anything else while you wait.

What if my payment is declined?

If your credit or debit card is declined, the system will tell you when ready. Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are correct, and try again. If the problem continues, try a different card or visit a driver services center to renew in person.

Can I renew online if I need a REAL ID?

No. REAL ID licenses require in-person verification of your documents. Visit a driver services center and bring your passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency.