I need to renew my license, but I have not received a notice in the mail. What should I do?

Answer: The renewal notice is simply a courtesy letter - it is not required. The easiest way to renew your license is online by visiting the Department of Safety's Online Services Menu.

However, if you are within 21 days or less of your expiration date do NOT use the online renewal. Since the new license must be processed and sent to you by postal mail it is possible you would not receive it before your current expiration date. You will need to take your driver license to any driver license station where a new photo and signature will be obtained and you will be issued an updated license at the time of your visit.

An Internet renewal is available as long as you do not currently have a renewal sticker affixed to the back of your existing photo license, and you did not renew by mail or Internet on your last renewal.

Obtaining a new photo and signature is now required on each "in person" transaction conducted at a driver license station for several reasons including:

1. Fraud and identity theft protection
2. Ensuring that the most current image of each driver is on file
3. Extending the time available for applicants to use the internet or mail services

NOTE 1:  Tennessee's new law requires that anyone issued a Tennessee driver's license since January 1, 2001, as well as first-time applicants, be required to provide documentation they are either a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident at the time of their first renewal. In these instances, you may not renew by mail or by the internet; you will be required to visit a Driver License Station in person with the required documentation.

NOTE 2: If you currently hold an expiring Certificate For Driving (CFD) or one of the new Temporary Driver Licenses (TDL) or Temporary Identification Licenses (TID) you will be required to appear in person at a driver license center to process this type of renewal. You must provide updated documentation proving your current legal presence and length of authorized stay in the USA at the time of your renewal. Two documents proving your current Tennessee residence address will also be required at renewal. The CFD will NOT be renewed or reissued, but you may obtain the new TDL or TID document with proper qualifying documentation.

If you have any name or birth date changes or if you hold a CDL Class A, B or C license, you must go to a driver license office to renew in person.

For more general driver license information (general info, office locations, online services etc.), visit the Driver License Issuance section of our website.