DRIVER LICENSE GUIDE

Tennessee Driver’s License

This guide explains Driver's License requirements in Tennessee, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.

TennesseeDriver's License
Official AgencyTennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Minimum AgeLearner permit: 15. A graduated intermediate license is available to eligible teens after the learner stage. A regular Class D license follows the applicable age, testing and graduated-licensing requirements.
Application FeeStandard Class D operator license: $28 total for 8 years, including the $2 application fee. A learner permit for applicants under 18 is $10.50; an adult learner permit is $5.50.
License ValidityTennessee Class D licenses are renewed every 8 years from the date of issuance rather than on the holder's birthday.

Last verified: 23/09/2026

WHAT THIS PAGE COVERS

Tennessee at a glance

This guide explains Driver's License requirements in Tennessee, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.

Eligibility & Age Rules

<p>Teen applicants follow Tennessee’s graduated licensing program. The applicant must hold the learner permit for the required period, complete supervised driving and driver education where required, and meet the intermediate-license restrictions before receiving unrestricted privileges.</p>

Costs, timing and validity

Eligibility / age

Learner permit: 15. A graduated intermediate license is available to eligible teens after the learner stage. A regular Class D license follows the applicable age, testing and graduated-licensing requirements.

Initial cost

Standard Class D operator license: $28 total for 8 years, including the $2 application fee. A learner permit for applicants under 18 is $10.50; an adult learner permit is $5.50.

Renewal cost

Class D renewal is $28 for 8 years. County Clerk Partners can charge an additional $4 administrative fee for services they provide.

Validity

Tennessee Class D licenses are renewed every 8 years from the date of issuance rather than on the holder's birthday.

Documents and information to prepare

Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.

Applicants need proof of identity, Social Security number, Tennessee residency and lawful presence or citizenship. REAL ID applicants need the additional documents required by Tennessee for a federally compliant credential.

How to apply

01

Complete the application, provide the required identity and residency documents, pass the applicable vision, knowledge and road tests, complete graduated requirements if under 18, and pay the license and application fees.

Testing, Training & Restrictions

<p>First-time applicants take the required vision, knowledge and road tests. Tennessee’s knowledge and skills requirements vary by license class and applicant history. A qualifying out-of-state transfer may not need to repeat all tests.</p>

Renewal and ongoing requirements

<p>Eligible drivers can renew online, by mail or in person depending on the credential and transaction. Renewal eligibility depends on license status and whether the applicant must update a photograph or documents.</p>

Processing time

The applicant receives a credential after completing the transaction; production and mailing time vary by service location and transaction.

Important: This page is an independent informational resource. Requirements, fees and procedures can change. Verify the current rules with the relevant official authority before applying.