How to Renew Your Tennessee Driver's License

Renew Your Tennessee License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Tennessee driver's license through three routes: online at the TDOT website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Services office. The online method is fastest — you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is when ready if you need to update your photo or address, though you'll wait in line.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew in person with your current license and proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the TDOT website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days if you haven't changed your address or photo in the last five years.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and works only if your address and photo are current, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is necessary if you need a new photo, have moved, or want your license when ready.
You'll need your renewal code from your notice for online or mail renewal, or your current license and proof of residency for in-person renewal.
Tennessee licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online Renewal Through the TDOT Website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Transportation website and select the Driver License Renewal option. You'll need your renewal code (from your notice), your current license number, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and photo. If both are correct and haven't changed in the last five years, you can proceed.

Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Tennessee charges $27.50 for a standard five-year renewal. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you've changed your address in the last five years, if you need a new photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

If your renewal notice arrived and your address and photo are current, you can renew by mail. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, sign it, and mail it along with your renewal code to the address printed on the form. Include a check or money order for $27.50 made payable to the State of Tennessee.

Do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays. Your renewed license will arrive 2 to 3 weeks after TDOT receives your form. You can track your renewal status on the TDOT website using your confirmation number if you received one.

Mail renewal works only if your current address and photo are correct. If you've moved or want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office

Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

You'll have your photo taken and can update your address if you've moved. Pay the renewal fee of $27.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your renewed license is printed on site and ready to use when ready. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, if you want a new photo, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you're renewing for the first time in Tennessee. Check the TDOT website for office hours and locations near you, as some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process is longer than renewal and costs more.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. Renewing an expired license costs the same as renewing a current one.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

Tennessee allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

You can renew online or by mail as soon as your renewal notice arrives, which is typically 60 days before expiration. If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If You've Lost Your Renewal Notice

You can still renew without your notice. Visit a Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The staff can look up your account and process your renewal in person. You cannot renew online or by mail without your renewal code, so in-person is your only option if you've misplaced the notice.

If you need a replacement notice before visiting an office, call the TDOT Driver Services line at 615-741-3054 during business hours. They can mail you a new notice, though this adds time to your renewal timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or TDOT. Once cleared, you can renew in person at a Driver Services office. Contact TDOT to confirm your status before visiting.

What if I've moved to a different state since my last renewal?

You cannot renew a Tennessee license if you no longer live in Tennessee. You must explore for a license in your new state. If you still live in Tennessee but moved within the state, you can renew in person at any Driver Services office with proof of your new address.

How long is a renewed Tennessee license valid?

A standard renewal is valid for five years from the date you renew. Your new expiration date will be printed on your license. Seniors over 65 can renew for three years instead of five, and commercial licenses have different renewal periods.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Online renewal uses your current photo on file. If you wear glasses or contacts and your photo shows you wearing them, your renewed license will show the same. If you want to update your photo or change whether you're wearing glasses, you must renew in person.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.