Tennessee driving lesson · Your License & the Exams
Renewals, address changes & special IDs
A 4-minute lesson from the Tennessee course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Getting licensed is only the start — you have to keep the license valid. That means renewing on time, reporting address changes quickly, and knowing a few special rules for military members, seniors and international travel.
8 years
Term of a license for drivers over 21 issued since January 1, 2016 (no longer tied to your birthday)
The Department mails a courtesy renewal notice 8 to 10 weeks before your license expires, but you can renew without it by bringing your current license to a service center.
The 10-day rule applies even if you didn't move but the Postal Service or 911 district changed your address. Telling the post office doesn't notify the Department, and a P.O. box alone isn't a legal address.
Active-duty military stationed outside Tennessee keep a valid license regardless of the expiration date ('Code 30'); National Guard and family members don't qualify. Renew within 60 days after separation or reassignment to Tennessee (Fort Campbell counts).
You moved across town 2 weeks ago and haven't told anyone. You're already late: the address on your driver record had to be updated within 10 days — online is easiest. You don't have to buy a new card.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If you have a new address, Tennessee law requires you to report the change to the Department of Safety within ten days.
True
False
Answer: True
You must report an address change to the Department of Safety within ten days, even if your license itself doesn't show the new address yet.