A Tennessee Driver License for persons over the age of 21 will expire every eight (8) years from the date of issuance. When your license expires, you are no longer entitled to drive a vehicle or motorcycle and will be subject to the same penalties as someone who has never been licensed.
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security mails every driver a courtesy renewal notice approximately eight to ten weeks before their license expires. READ YOUR RENEWAL NOTICE CAREFULLY. The ways to renew your driver license are explained on your renewal notice.
For your first Tennessee Driver License renewal, you are required to renew in-person at a Driver Service Center and provide Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Permanent Residency.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you may simply take your current license to any Driver Services Center. The renewal notice itself is not necessary for you to be able to renew your license.
When you renew your license, you may wish to upgrade to a REAL ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID license or passport to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants or board commercial flights within the United States.
If you have a current valid photo license, you may be eligible to renew online with e-Services. Once you are in e-Services click on Renew a License, Permit, or ID under Non-Commercial Driver License. If you choose to renew by online, you receive an updated license re-using your current photo.
Department of Safety and Homeland Security / Driver Services / Driver Service Center