Renewing Your License

Determine the Status of Your License

In addition to obtaining a Class D, F, or M driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle, you must also renew that license every five years on your birth date.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) allows you to renew your license up to 12 months before its expiration date, and offers no “grace period.” This means once your license is expired, you can no longer legally drive.

You also can’t legally drive unless you comply with the State's financial responsibility law. Visit our Insurance Center for details about proof of financial responsibility and to shop for a low car insurance rate.

Valid License

Every five years, you can renew your Class D, F, or M license in one of three ways depending on your situation:

• Online

• By mail

• In person

If you aren’t sure whether your license is valid, you can check your driving record.

NOTE: Visit our CDL section for instructions on renewing your commercial license.

Expired License

You can generally renew your expired driver’s license in the same ways as you’d renew a valid license:

• Online

• By mail

• In person

However, it’s best to call your nearest Driver License Service Center to find out if you must follow a specific renewal process.

Because there is no grace period, expired licenses are serious business. Not only will you be in trouble if you’re caught driving with an expired license, but you must also pay extra fees and possibly take exams once you do renew.

If your license has been expired for:

• 30 days, you must pay a late fee of $5.

• Six months, you must pay a late fee of $10.

• Five years, you must pay a late fee of $10 and take the vision, written, and driving tests.

You can check your driving record to find out how long your license has been expired.

Suspended License

While it’s unlikely if you keep up with your infractions and penalties, it is possible to have a suspended license and not know about it. Check your driving record to find out if you’re license is valid or suspended.

If your license is suspended, you can’t renew it. You’ll need to either work toward reinstating it or apply for a restricted license. Our section on license suspension thoroughly outlines both of these processes.

Keep in mind license suspension is grounds for increased car insurance rates for some insurance companies. If this happens to you, shop our Insurance Center to find a more affordable car insurance premium.

Lost License

If you’ve lost your driver’s license, visit Replacing a Lost License for details about how to replace it.

Check Your Renewal Notice

Only as a courtesy, the DOS mails renewal notices approximately four to six weeks prior to your license expiration date; they aren’t required for renewal, and you aren’t excused from renewing on time if you don’t receive one. It’s your responsibility to keep up with your license’s expiration date and renew it on time.

While there are three ways to renew your driver’s license, your license renewal notice will include details about how you must renew yours.

Renew Online

Renewing online is a convenient option for drivers who are currently out of state or who just can’t get to their local Driver License Service Center.

You may renew your driver’s license online if:

• This is not your first renewal.

• Your license is valid or has been expired for fewer than five years.

• You have a Tennessee residence and valid mailing address.

• Your renewal notice states you’re allowed to renew online.

You may not renew your driver's license online if:

• This is your first renewal.

• You have a license with a renewal sticker on the back.

• You are younger than 60 and have a non-photo license.

• You have a photo license with an issue date prior to October 1996.

• Your expiring license is a Temporary Driver License (TDL).

• Your renewal notice states you must renew in person.

To renew online:

1. Have ready your mailing address, birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your driver’s license number.
2. Have a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card, or a check card with the Visa or MasterCard logo, to pay the required fees ($15 for the renewal, $2 for the online application, and $5 if your license is expired for six months).
3. Visit Renew Your Driver License Online and begin.

You should receive your renewed driver’s license with 15 days. If you don’t, the DOS recommends you send an e-mail.

NOTE: It’s extremely important to print the final page of the online application (the site will prompt you when it’s time). This printout acts as proof of renewal and proof of a 20-day extension to use until you receive your renewed license.

Renew By Mail

The option to renew by mail is typically reserved for military personnel and people who are out of state due to missionary work or employment reasons.

You may renew your driver’s license by mail if:

• This is not your first renewal.

• You received your last license in person.

• Your renewal notice states you’re allowed to renew online.

You may not renew your driver’s license by mail if:

• This is your first renewal.

• Your expiring license is a Temporary Driver License (TDL).

• You renewal notice states you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, you must write a letter to the DOS, making sure to take the following steps:

1. List your full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number in the letter.
2. Obtain notarized copies of proof of identity.
3. Obtain copies of proof of why you’re unable to renew in person (such as copies of your military ID, military orders, and letters from your church or employer stating you’re out of state).
4. Provide an address where you can receive your renewed license, as well as a daytime phone number where the DOS can reach you.
5. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. (Usually, the fee is $19.50; however, your fee may be different if the expiration date isn’t divisible by five. Call the DOS Cashier’s Office at (615) 741-3954 for your exact fee.)
6. Mail everything to:


• Tennessee Department of Safety
• Cashier’s Office
• P.O. Box 560
• Nashville, TN 37243-1000

If you don’t receive your renewed license within a few weeks, the DOS recommends you send an e-mail.

Renew In Person

You must renew your driver’s license in person if:

• This is your first renewal.

• You don’t meet the requirements for renewing online or by mail.

• You renewal notice states you must renew in person.

To renew in person, be prepared to:

1. Present proof of citizenship or lawful residence if this is your first renewal or you have an expiring TDL. (The DOS provides a list of acceptable documents.
2. Pass the vision, written, and driving tests if your license has been expired for five or more years.
3. Pay the appropriate fee. (The renewal fee is typically $19.50, but your fee may vary―especially if your license is expired―so it’s wise to call ahead).
4. Get your picture taken and provide your signature.
5. Call ahead to your nearest Driver License Service Center for hours of operation.

Update Your Driving Skills

Even though you may never have to take another driving test, you should consider enrolling in a supplemental training course to improve upon your driving techniques. Such courses can help you stay on top of the rules of the road, help you understand how to respond to certain traffic situations, and even help you get a discount on your car insurance.

If you check your current car insurance policy and find that your provider doesn’t offer discounts for completing training courses, browse our Insurance Center to find carriers that do.