Tennessee Driver’s License Renewal: Everything You Need To Know
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Most legal licenses expire at some point. That includes a driver’s license. If you want to keep driving legally, get it renewed as soon as possible. The process differs depending on the state you call home. If you have a home and reside in Tennessee, you might wonder - what does the Tennessee driver’s license renewal process look like?
If you’re interested in learning more about how to renew your driver’s license in Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. The more comfortable you are with each renewal step, the less stressful the endeavor will be. Read on to learn more about what you must do to renew your license, the fees you must pay, and other necessary information.
The Tennessee Driver’s License Renewal Process
It doesn’t take too much effort to complete the Tennessee driver’s license renewal process. There are several things you should think about and keep in mind before applying for the replacement ID:
- Eligibility: You can’t just renew your license any time you want to, you must be eligible for the renewal process. Also, you might have to head to a physical location - not everyone can do it online.
- Methods of Renewal: Examine the options available to you for renewal. Most states provide a chance for individuals to renew in-person or online, sometimes by mail.
- Required Documentation: There are several documents you might need. These pieces might include a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bills, and others.
- Fees: You might have to pay a renewal fee, so research them ahead of time to steer clear of any surprises.
- Testing: Study for any tests you need to take ahead of time. You’ll pass with flying colors once you arrive.
It’s always better to prepare too much than to not prepare at all. If you forget anything or fail a test, you will need more time and energy to return to the renewal location to try again. Don’t take the risk.
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How To Renew Your Driver’s License in Tennessee
There are two popular ways to renew your driver’s license in Iowa - online or in-person. Let’s dive into the process to determine what is ideal and possible for your renewal process in the state.
Online
Some people can renew their licenses online. Of course, you need to meet several requirements. Here are the steps for online renewal:
- Check eligibility: To renew online, you must be a U.S. citizen, renew a Class D license without restrictions, have a current valid ID, not change your name, and not refresh for the first time. If you meet these, you can finish them online.
- Head to the online portal: Go to the online portal to begin renewal.
- Verify: You must verify your name, date of birth, social security number, and Tennessee driver’s license number.
- Follow directions: Navigate the steps listed by the site. Then, pay the fees required.
- Wait for the license: After you’re done, give them a month to mail your ID.
In-Person
Not everyone will qualify to finish the renewal process online. If you must go in person to complete the endeavor, here are the steps you must follow:
- Determine need: You must renew in person if you are renewing for the first time, did not get a renewal notice, your photo is invalid, are not a U.S. citizen, are changing your legal name, are upgrading to a REAL ID, have a CDL, have a restricted license or it has a special circumstance, or have a temporary ID.
- Head to a location: Take a valid form of payment and your driver’s license with you to your nearest driver services center.
- Get your picture taken: At the center, they will take a new photo after you present them with the appropriate information.
- Gather your license: Most of the time, they will provide you with your new Tennessee license on the same day.
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By Mail
If you want to renew your Tennessee license by mail, you must meet all the requirements you would have to meet to renew online. It’s the same thing. Most of the time, the state will send you a renewal notice and information about the steps to mail in the proper information for a new ID.
With a by mail renewal, you don’t need to add the $28 fee. If you read the instructions provided, you will get the paper and the payment to the proper location. Your license will come to you soon after.
Fees, Penalties, and Missing the Renewal Deadline for Tennessee Driver’s License Renewal
According to getjerry.com, there is no grace period in the Tennessee driver’s license renewal process. If you get pulled over with a license that is long after its expiration date, the police will act as if you don’t have an ID at all. You could get hit with serious fines and even jail time in severe instances.
Also, you must pay additional fees if you renew your license after it expires. It could be between $5-$10, depending on how long it’s been. If five years pass, you must retake the written and driving exam. It isn’t worth it to put off the process.
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Final Thoughts
When dealing with the Tennessee driver’s license renewal process, you may renew online, in-person, or through the mail. However, not everyone will qualify for every situation. Ensure you check your eligibility and gather the proper documents and fees to complete it the first time. Your ability to drive depends on your choice to follow directions.
We hope this information comes in handy! Although it might seem stressful to go through the renewal process for your Tennessee license, it’s something all drivers must do to keep their position behind the wheel. It’s never worth it to wait. If you take too long, you could incur late fees and even jail time if you’re pulled over after your ID goes past its expiration date.
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