What You'll Pay to Renew Your Tennessee License

A standard Tennessee driver's license renewal costs $27.50 if you renew by mail or online, or $28.50 if you renew in person at a Driver Services office. The difference covers the in-person processing fee. These are the base renewal fees for a regular driver's license valid for eight years.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher: $60 for an eight-year renewal. Motorcycle endorsements add $12.50 to any renewal. If you need to renew and also add a new endorsement or correct information on your license, you may pay additional fees beyond the base renewal amount.

Tennessee does not charge different rates based on age, gender, or how long you've held your current license. The fee structure is the same whether this is your first renewal or your tenth.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard driver's license renewal costs $27.50 online or by mail, or $28.50 in person at a Driver Services office.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $60 for an eight-year license.
  • Motorcycle endorsements add $12.50 to the renewal fee.
  • You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
  • Renewal fees cover an eight-year license; you do not pay for a shorter validity period.

Payment Methods for Each Renewal Route

The payment method you use depends on how you choose to renew. If you renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, you must pay by debit card or credit card. The system processes the payment when ready and your renewal is submitted right away.

If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Include the payment with your renewal process and mail everything to the address provided on the form. Mail renewals take longer to process because the payment must arrive and be deposited before your renewal is completed.

If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office processes your payment on the spot and you receive your temporary license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.

When Your Renewal Fee Changes

The base renewal fee stays the same, but your total cost increases if you're making changes to your license at the same time. Adding a new endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement) adds to the fee. Correcting your name, address, or other information on your license may also trigger additional charges depending on the type of correction.

If you renew early — before your current license expires — you still pay the full renewal fee. Tennessee does not offer a reduced rate for early renewal. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license.

If you renew after your license has already expired, you pay the standard renewal fee. You do not pay a penalty or late fee for renewing an expired license, as long as you have not been driving without a valid license.

What Happens After You Pay

If you pay online, your renewal is processed within one to two weeks and your new license is mailed to the address on file. You can check the status of your renewal on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website using your driver's license number.

If you pay by mail, processing takes longer because the payment must arrive and clear before your process is processed. Budget three to four weeks for a mail renewal from the date you mail your process. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete.

If you pay in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

Fees for Special Circumstances

If you need to renew your license but also need a duplicate (because yours was lost or stolen), you pay both fees: the renewal fee plus a duplicate fee of $7 for a standard license or $15 for a CDL. You can request both at the same time when you renew in person or by mail.

If you need to change your name or address during renewal, there is no additional charge — these updates are included in the renewal fee. However, if you need to change your license class (for example, from a regular license to a CDL), you cannot do that during a straightforward renewal. You must take the written and driving tests, which requires a new license process rather than a renewal, and the fees are different.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to understand the reason for the suspension and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee over time or in installments?

No. Tennessee requires the full renewal fee to be paid at the time you submit your renewal process. There is no option to pay in installments or to defer payment.

What if I pay online but my renewal is denied?

If your renewal is denied after you pay, the fee is refunded to the card you used. The refund typically appears within five to seven business days. You will receive a notice explaining why your renewal was denied and what you need to do next.

Do I pay the renewal fee if I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You pay the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew. Renewing early does not reduce the cost, but it does give you a new eight-year license that starts from the renewal date.

Is the renewal fee the same if I renew online versus in person?

Almost. Online and mail renewals cost $27.50, while in-person renewals cost $28.50. The extra dollar covers the cost of in-person processing at a Driver Services office.

What if I have a commercial driver's license with multiple endorsements?

You pay the $60 CDL renewal fee plus $12.50 for each endorsement you want to keep. If you have a hazmat endorsement, motorcycle endorsement, and passenger endorsement, you pay $60 plus $37.50 ($12.50 × 3) for a total of $97.50.