How Much Does a Tennessee
Driver's License Cost?
A Tennessee driver's license costs $28 and lasts 8 years. Below are all 7 official fees from the Tennessee Driver Services.
Tennessee License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $56–$61
- License valid for
- 8 years
- About $3.50 per year
- Replacement
- $8
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $28, Tennessee's license fee is lower than in 32 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Tennessee Driver Services Fees
From the Tennessee Driver Services fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D License (8 year, 21+) | $28.00 |
| Class D License (5 year, under 21) | $28.00 |
| Learner Permit | $33.00 (under 18); $28.00 (18+) |
| Intermediate Restricted License | $24.50 |
| REAL ID upgrade | No additional cost |
| Replacement License | $8.00 |
| Out-of-state transfer | $28.00 (plus $4 if a written test is required) |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Tennessee
- 1
Apply for a Learner Permit at 15
Visit a TN Driver Services Center with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $33 fee.
How much does a Tennessee driver's license cost?
A Class D license is $28 for both the 5-year (under 21) and 8-year (21+) cycle. The Learner Permit is $33 for applicants under 18 ($28 for adults), the Intermediate Restricted License is $24.50, and a duplicate is $8. Tennessee's licensing fees are among the lowest in the U.S.
🗺️Tennessee Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Tennessee's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $28 | $28–$33 |
| Kentucky | $43–$48 | $15 |
| Virginia | $32 | $3 |
| North Carolina | $52 | $25.50 |
| Georgia | $20 | $10 |
| Alabama | $36.25 | $41.25 |
| Mississippi | $24 | $7 |
| Arkansas | $40 | Varies |
| Missouri | $16.50 | $10 |
🚚Moving to Tennessee With a License?
New Tennessee residents must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days. Visit any Driver Services Center with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 TN residency documents. The vision test is required; the written and road tests are usually waived for valid U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses require the full written and road tests.
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the Driver Services Fee
The figures above are Tennessee's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Tennessee cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Tennessee.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Tennessee Driver Services website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.