License Renewal in Tennessee

Renew Your Driver's License in Tennessee

Before your Tennessee driver's license expires, you need to renew it with the TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services Division in order to continue driving legally in the state.

On this page you'll find information on how to renew your license online, by mail, and in person.

Tennessee REAL ID Driver's License

The TN DDS issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license. For more detail, visit the DDS' guide to REAL IDs.

When to Renew Your TN Driver's License

Your Tennessee driver's license expires on your birthday every 8 years.

8 to 10 weeks before your expiration date, the Tennessee DMV will mail you a renewal notice that will indicate if you can renew:

  • Online.
  • By mail.
  • In person.

Your Tennessee driver license status will determine how and when you can renew your license. Read below to find out more about the requirements for each driver's license status.

NOTE: If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must renew your temporary driver license in person.

Valid Driver License

If you hold a valid Tennessee driver's license, you can renew it up to 12 months before it expires.

Expired Driver's License

If your drivers license has been expired for over 30 days, you'll need to pay a late fee when you renew.

For more information, contact the Tennessee Driver Services Division at (866) 849-3548.

Suspended Driver License

If your drivers license is suspended, you'll need to reinstate your driving privileges.

For more information, please see our guide on Suspended Licenses in Tennessee.

Order your non-certified Tennessee driving record online!
Is your driver's license suspended? Check your driving record to find out.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If your driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can still renew it as long as you know your driver's license number.

Do not drive without a valid driver's license in Tennessee. If you'd like to request a replacement card, please see our Replacing a Lost License in Tennessee page.

Online Driver's License Renewal

Upgrading to a REAL ID?

If you wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license when you renew, you MUST do so in person. This is just a one-time requirement, so that you can show the required documents to get your federally approved credential.

To renew your driver license online, visit the TN Online Driver Services website. You'll need:

  • Your TN driver's license number.
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
  • Your TN mailing address.
  • A credit/debit card for the $28 renewal fee.

When you complete your online renewal, you'll be able to print a confirmation page and use it as a driver license extension. You will receive your new TN driver's license within 20 business days.

NOTE: If you did not receive a confirmation page, you can check the status of your renewal by contacting the Tennessee DMV at (866) 849-3548 or e-mail help@egovtn.org.

By-Mail Driver's License Renewal

Your renewal notice will inform you whether or not you can renew your driver's license by mail.

Follow the instructions on your renewal form to renew by mail.

If you are out of state and would like to renew your TN driver's license by mail, please see the Military Member Driver's License Renewal and Out-of-State Tennessee Residents sections below.

In-Person Driver's License Renewal

To renew your driver's license in person, visit a Tennessee DMV office and:

  • Bring your current driver license.
  • Take a new photo.
  • Provide a new signature.
  • Pay the $28 renewal fee.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen and you need to renew your temporary driver's license, visit your local Tennessee DMV office. You'll need to provide:

Your updated legal presence documents.

  • 2 documents proving your Tennessee address, such as your:
    • Utility bill.
    • Bank statement.
    • Rental agreement.
  • Payment for the $28 renewal fee.

Your temporary driver license will remain valid for the length of your authorized stay.

Military Member Driver's License Renewal

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are an active duty military member, your expired drivers license will remain valid for 60 days after your discharge or return to Tennessee.

You can request for a “ Code 30" to be printed on your driver's license that will indicate your military extension.

To request a “ Code 30" you'll need:

  • Notarized copies of the front and back of your military ID.
  • A copy of your military orders.
  • Your out-of-state mailing address.
  • Payment for the duplicate fee:
    • First duplicate: $8.
    • Subsequent duplicates: $12.

The state has put together a military checklist to help you gather your documents and apply for your code. Make sure to send in this document with your paperwork.

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