Department of Safety Internet - Driver License Frequently Asked Questions

Question 5

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:

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

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.

Question 3

Print Question

I need to renew my license, but I am currently out of the country or out of the state or will be when my renewal time comes. What can I do?

Answer: No problem! You may renew your regular license (Class D, M or ID) up to 12 months ahead of time with no special steps required. Your renewal fees will be the same as if you waited until your regular expiration date. See if you are eligible to renew on-line.

You may also take your driver license to your local driver license center at your convenience. Find a driver license center near you. A new photo and signature will be required for all renewals processed at a driver license center.

You have several options for renewing your driver license from outside the state. The following steps apply to all residents and military dependents temporarily out-of-state who need to renew a regular non-commercial driver license.

If your most recent driver license was issued to you in person, we may be able to process your renewal either through the internet or by regular mail. NOTE: Active Duty military personnel have different options (instructions for military personnel).

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.

INTERNET RENEWAL:You may request a renewal via the Internet as long as you have a Tennessee residence and valid mailing address to which the new photo license can be sent.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have:

A renewal sticker on the back of your license,

A non-photo license and you are under the age of 60, or

A photo license with an issue date prior to October 1996
(Example digitized photo license)

With any of the above you are NOT allowed to renew on the Internet, but you may still be able to renew by mail. You will need to review the following to see if your renewal can be processed by mail, and follow the directions given.

REGULAR MAIL RENEWAL:

The first step to renewing your license by mail is to figure out the appropriate renewal fee you will need to pay. If you have a Class D driver license and it is expiring on a birthday evenly divisible by five (for example, you will be 30, 35, 40......60,65, etc.), you should send $19.50. Otherwise, you should write or call for the exact amount you would owe. In your letter include your full name, date of birth, and driver license number along with a day time phone number where we could contact you if needed.

Tennessee Department of Safety
Cashier's Office
PO Box 560
Nashville, TN 37243-1000
(615) 741-3954

Once you have determined the correct renewal fees, you will need to send a check or money order in that amount along with a letter and any other required documentation to the address above. A license renewed through the mail is a stand alone document requiring more safeguards before it can issued. Specifically, we will need the following information and/or documentation

Your Full Name
Your Tennessee Driver License Number
Date of Birth
Notarized copies of two documents showing proof of your identity (Please note: Do not send original documents--instead, have your signature notarized on the copy of the documents.)
The address to which you want the license mailed. Also, you should again provide us with a daytime phone number in case we need to contact you regarding your renewal.
A check or money order for the correct renewal fee payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Verification that you are unable to apply in person. For Example:

If you are a military dependent, send a copy of your military dependent ID and a letter from your spouse's commanding officer stating that your relative is stationed outside of Tennessee.
If you are a missionary or employed overseas, include a letter from your church or employer explaining the length of assignment.

NOTE: If your current driver license photo is not digitized (issued prior to October 1996: see link above for example), or you have a non-photo license we will NOT be able to issue you a photo license renewal. However, if you have the documentation listed above we can issue you a non-photo renewal only.
- If you are under 60 years old, when you return to Tennessee, you will need to bring your non-photo license to any driver license station, pay a duplicate fee, and exchange it for a photo license.
For more general driver license information (general info, office locations, online services etc.), visit the Driver License Issuance section of our website.

Question 4

Print Question

I am in the military and need to renew my driver license. How can I do this from where I am stationed?

Answer: By law (TCA 55-50-338), a driver license issued to someone who is on active military duty and stationed outside of Tennessee does not expire "so long as such person's service continues and such person is stationed outside this state" (assuming, of course, that the driving privileges are not canceled, suspended or revoked). Therefore, the procedures for military personnel are somewhat different.

When you renew your license, if you are in the military yourself (not a military dependent), you can get a "Code 30" added to your license which will give it a non-expiring status. To do so, you need to send us a copy of your current military orders or a letter from your commanding officer showing that you are assigned elsewhere.

Note! Whether or not you personally would benefit from getting a "Code 30" depends on your own situation. If you do not expect to be in the military longer than four or five years(the normal length of time a driver license is valid), you may not benefit from having the "Code 30" added.

Secondly, since your license technically does not expire while you are on active military duty, you need only send an $8 duplicate fee to have the department change your information and re-issue your license. A renewal fee would not be required.

Once we have updated your record, you will not need to take any further action until you are discharged or re-assigned back to the state of Tennessee. Then you will have 60 days to exchange your non-expiring license for a regular driver's license. After the 60 days, late fees will be assessed ($5 if you exchange your license after 60 days but within six months, and then $10 after that). Be sure to carry your discharge or separation papers with your license during this transfer period.

Note: Assignment to Fort Campbell Army Base is considered reassignment back to Tennessee. Fort Campbell Army Base is located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Now, for the exact steps you need to follow: Fees and letters should be sent to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Cashier's Office
PO Box 560
Nashville, TN 37243-1000

Include in your letter:

Your full name, Tennessee driver license number and date of birth
A copy of your military orders or a letter from your commanding officer showing that you are stationed outside of Tennessee
A notarized copy of your military ID
The address to which you want your license mailed
A check or money order for $8 payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

If you have lost your license or already have a renewal sticker, we will send you a non-photo license. Otherwise if our records show that you have a current digitized photo license, we will send you a new photo license using the photo that is on file.

Note: Currently, due to the special handling required for military renewals, we are unable at this time to process those requests via the Internet.

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

Question 7

Print Question

With a Tennessee learner's permit, do you have to have a parent or guardian in the front seat, or can you have any licensed driver?

Answer: When you drive with your learner's permit you will need to be accompanied by a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and has a valid driver license. Such person must be fit and capable of exercising physical control over the vehicle and must be riding in the front seat next to you.

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

Question 8

Print Question

How can I obtain a copy of my driving record (MVR)?

Answer: You, or any person authorized by you, may obtain a copy of your driver record (also called a motor vehicle record, or MVR) in person at any of our full service Driver Services Centers.

You will need the following when requesting your record:

Name
Date of Birth
Driver License Number

If you want someone else to obtain a copy of your MVR for you, you must submit a notarized statement authorizing that person to obtain the record.

You may also obtain a copy of your driver record (also called a motor vehicle record or MVR) by mailing your request to:
Tennessee Department of Safety
MVR Request
PO BOX 945
Nashville, TN 37202

There is a $5.00 charge for a copy of a three-year driver record. A cashier's check or money order should be made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety. If mailing, allow two weeks from the mailing date to receive the driver record. The federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) prohibits the release of personal identifying information from driver license and vehicle registration records unless an individual submits a form requesting their records be open.

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

Question 9

Print Question

What do I do if my license has been cancelled, suspended or revoked?

Answer: There are five ways to contact us for this information:

Go online to www.tennesseeanytime.org/reindl then click the option to "Restore your Driving Privileges."
By e-mailing FinResp.Safety@state.tn.us.

NOTE: Please allow two business days for an e-mail response.
By telephone: (615) 741-3954
Toll-Free: (866) 903-7357

By Fax: (615) 253-2093

(NOTE: Examiners are on duty Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time. However, information can be obtained 24 hrs a day 7 days a week through our automated system if you know your TN driver license number.)

Telecommunications for Deaf: 615-532-2281
You may visit the following offices Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Nashville
624 Hart Lane
(615) 532-9780
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

Nashville
6604 Centennial Blvd.
(615) 741-4560
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

Memphis
6340 Summer Ave.
Telephone: (901) 543-7920
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

Memphis
2714 Union Avenue Extended
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

Knoxville
7320 Region Lane
(865) 594-6399
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Chattanooga
6502 Bonny Oaks Drive, 37416
(423) 634-3127
Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

NOTE: There are four (4) additional reinstatement offices throughout the state that process reinstatements by appointment only. You may call for information regarding days/hours of service. For a complete listing of the driver license offices that offer reinstatement services, click here.

The Driver License Service Centers cannot give license reinstatement requirements over the phone. To obtain reinstatement requirements you will need your driver license number available prior to visiting www.tennessesanytime.org/tndlr/ . For more information call toll-free (866) 903-7357, (615) 741-3954, or email FinResp.Safety@state.tn.us

NOTE: Please allow two business days for an e-mail response.
By writing:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Financial Responsibility Division
PO BOX 945
Nashville, TN 37202

If you send your written request by courier or overnight mail, please use the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Financial Responsibility
1150 Foster Ave.
Nashville, TN 37210

Please note, all overnight deliveries are handled on a "first come, first served" basis with all other incoming mail.

NOTE: Please allow two weeks for a written response.

When contacting us, be sure to include the following information:

Full name, and any other names used (maiden, married, etc.)
Date of birth
Driver license number (if known)
Social Security Number (if known)
Current mailing address
Reason for cancellation, suspension, revocation (if known)
Daytime phone number

NOTE: Please allow two weeks for a written response.

Question 10

Print Question

Where can I obtain a copy of an crash report?

Answer: There are a few factors that must be considered before requesting a crash, or accident report. Most importantly, was the crash investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, or another agency (county sheriff's office or city police department)?

If the crash was investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol:

Any driver/owner/passenger or their agent or legal representative may purchase a copy of the crash report for a fee of $4.00. The reports are available approximately 7 days after the date of the crash at the T.H.P. District Office. This can be purchased through the mail, or by visiting their office in person. Click here for a complete listing of the T.H.P. District Office locations.
After 30 days have passed from the date of the crash, the report may also be purchased from the Department of Safety for a fee of $4.00.

If the crash was investigated by any law enforcement agency OTHER than the T.H.P:

You should contact that agency to purchase a copy of the report from their office.
After 60 days have passed from the date of the crash, the report may also be purchased from the Department of Safety for a fee of $4.00

When purchasing a crash report, you should provide the following information:

Date of crash
County in which crash occurred
Name(s) of driver(s) involved

A cashier's check, money order, or personal/business check in the amount of $4.00 must accompany your request. If sending by mail, be sure and include the address to which you would like the crash report mailed.

If crash occurred in any of these counties (and was investigated by the T.H.P.):

You will need to contact this office:

ANDERSON

BLOUNT

CAMPBELL

KNOX

LOUDON

MONROE

MORGAN

ROANE

SCOTT

SEVIER

UNION

KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
7601 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 594-5800

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. E.S.T.

BLEDSOE

BRADLEY

COFFEE

FRANKLIN

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

MARION

MCMINN

MEIGS

POLK

RHEA
SEQUATCHIE

CHATTANOOGA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
4120 Cummings Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37419
(423) 634-6898

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. E.S.T.

CHEATHAM

DAVIDSON

DICKSON

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

MONTGOMERY

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

STEWART

SUMNER

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

NASHVILLE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
1603 MURFREESBORO RD.
NASHVILLE, TN 37217
(615) 741-3181

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.S.T.

CROCKETT

DYER

FAYETTE

HARDEMAN

HAYWOOD

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

OBION

SHELBY

TIPTON

MEMPHIS HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
6348 Summer Ave.
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 543-6256

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.S.T.

CARTER

CLAIBORNE

COCKE

GRAINGER

GREENE

HAMBLEN

HANCOCK

HAWKINS

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

SULLIVAN

UNICOI

WASHINGTON

FALL BRANCH HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
184 Joe R. McCrary Rd.
Fall Branch, TN 37656
(423) 348-6144

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. E.S.T.

CANNON

CLAY

CUMBERLAND

DEKALB

FENTRESS

JACKSON

MACON

OVERTON

PICKETT

PUTNAM

SMITH

TROUSDALE

VAN BUREN

WARREN

WHITE

COOKEVILLE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
1291 S. Walnut Ave.
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-8496

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.S.T.

BEDFORD

GILES

HICKMAN

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

MARSHALL

MAURY

MOORE

PERRY

WAYNE

LAWRENCEBURG HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
1209 North Locust Ave.
Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
(931) 766-1425

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.S.T.

BENTON

CARROLL

CHESTER

DECATUR

GIBSON

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

MADISON

MCNAIRY

WEAKLEY

JACKSON HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE
20 Vann Drive
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 423-6635

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. C.S.T.

Back to Top

Driver License Services
Department of Safety Home Page
Driver License Issuance
>>	Commercial Driver License and Hazmat Endorsement
>>	Fingerprint Information
>>	Station Locations
>>	Driver License Handbook
Driver License Documents
Online Services
Driver License Renewal
Driver License Reinstatement
>>	Driver Improvement
Handgun Carry Permits
Contact Information
En Español

1.	Is it possible to renew my driver license online?
2.	How can I change the address on my Tennessee driver license or handgun carry permit?
3.	I need to renew my Tennessee Driver License, but I can't make it to Tennessee. What can I do?
4.	I am in the military and need to renew my Tennessee Driver License. How can I do this from where I am stationed?
5.	I need to renew my license, but I haven't received a notice in the mail. What should I do?
6.	Is my out of state learner's permit valid in Tennessee and what restrictions apply to that permit?
7.	With a learner's permit, do you have to have a parent or guardian in the front seat, or can you have any licensed driver?
8.	How can I obtain a copy of my driving record (MVR)?
9.	What do I do if my license has been cancelled, suspended or revoked?
10.	Where can I obtain a copy of a crash report?
11.	I just moved to Tennessee. What do I need to do to get my Tennessee Driver License? What documentation will I need to bring and what test will I need to take?
12.	Where can I find a list of Driver License Stations in my area?