Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Tennessee driver's license, you need your current license, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring all three documents separately — Tennessee accepts a combination that covers each requirement.
Your current license counts as your primary ID. For residency, bring one document from the state's approved list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Tennessee driver's license, one proof of residency dated within 60 days, and one document showing your Social Security number.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Tennessee DMV website.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or in person; online renewals are faster but have stricter may be able to access rules.
Where to renew: in person, by mail, or online
Tennessee offers three renewal routes. The fastest is online through the Tennessee DMV website (tn.gov/safety/driverlicense), but you can only use it if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and your address on file is current. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 10 business days.
In-person renewal at any Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You can find office locations and hours on the Tennessee DMV website. Bring all required documents and your payment method. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 10 business days.
Renewal by mail is an option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Mail your current license, completed renewal form (DL 43), proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about 10 business days from the date the office receives your packet.
The renewal form and how to get it
If you are renewing by mail or in person, you need form DL 43, the driver's license renewal process. You can read it from the Tennessee DMV website, pick one up at any Driver Services office, or request one by phone at 615-741-3054. The form is short — it asks for your name, address, and whether your vision, medical conditions, or driving restrictions have changed since your last license.
Answer the health and restriction questions honestly. If you have developed a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if your vision has changed significantly, tell the examiner. Tennessee may require you to take a vision test or provide a medical clearance before renewing.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year driver's license costs $28.50. An eight-year license costs $57. You pay at the time of renewal — in person by cash, check, or card; by mail with a check or money order; or online by card. If you renew online, payment is processed when ready. If you renew by mail, do not send cash.
If you are over 65, Tennessee offers a reduced-fee renewal. A four-year license for drivers 65 and older costs $19. An eight-year license costs $38. Bring proof of age (your current license or birth certificate) when you renew.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents — your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — plus the completed form DL 43.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Tennessee may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, depending on how long it has been. Call the Driver Services office ahead of time to ask what to expect, so you do not make an unnecessary trip.
Timeline: how long renewal takes
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days. In-person renewal also takes about 10 business days for your permanent license to arrive by mail, but you get a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive while you wait. By-mail renewal also takes about 10 business days from the date the office receives your packet, but you do not get a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
Business days do not include weekends or state holidays. If you are renewing close to a holiday, add a few extra days to the timeline. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Driver Services office to check the status.
Special situations: military, name changes, and address updates
If you are active military stationed outside Tennessee, you can renew by mail even if your address on file is out of state. Bring a copy of your military orders along with your other documents. If you are stationed overseas, call 615-741-3054 to ask about your options.
If your name has changed since your last license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, the legal document proving the name change, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and the completed form DL 43. You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.
If you are updating your address only and your license is not expiring soon, you do not have to renew. You can update your address online through the Tennessee DMV website or in person at a Driver Services office at no cost. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, it is easier to renew and update your address at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?
You can renew in person at a Driver Services office, but Tennessee may require you to retake the written test and driving skills test because your license has been expired for more than one year. Call ahead to confirm what tests you will need to take, so you can prepare or bring the required documents.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another proof of my Social Security number?
You can bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead. If you do not have any of those documents, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a letter stating your number. The letter counts as proof for license renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, Tennessee uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill or lease agreement dated within 60 days?
Other documents count as proof of residency: a mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, insurance bill, or vehicle registration. If none of those are dated within 60 days, bring two documents that together show your current address, even if they are older.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew in person or by mail yourself. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, call 615-741-3054 to ask about accommodations or whether a representative can help you.