The issue date on a Tennessee driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. Tennessee licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults, making it one of the longer validity periods in the country. Here is where to find ISS and what every date field on your Tennessee license means.

Where to find the issue date on a Tennessee driver's license

On the current Tennessee Department of Safety license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issued your current card. Renewing resets the ISS date while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a Tennessee driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Tennessee licenses are valid for 8 years for drivers ages 21 to 59. Drivers 60 and older receive licenses valid for 4 years.

With an 8-year validity, the ISS and EXP dates on your card can be far apart. When filling out a form that asks for your issue date, use the date next to ISS, not EXP.

📱

Preparing for your DMV test?

Download our free iOS app — 1,164+ practice questions in 11 languages, flashcards, and offline study!

What does DD mean on a Tennessee driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued and is different from your license number. Banks, rental agencies, and background check systems use it to verify card authenticity.

Restrictions on a Tennessee driver's license

Tennessee licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No freeway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only

Tennessee REAL ID

Tennessee offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID Tennessee license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel. To get a Tennessee REAL ID, visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your Tennessee address.

How to renew a Tennessee driver's license

Tennessee offers online renewal at tn.gov/safety for eligible drivers. Online renewal is available if you do not need a new photo and your information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and address or name changes. Tennessee has Driver Services Centers across the state.

How to find your original Tennessee licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your Tennessee driving record through the Department of Safety website or in person at a Driver Services Center.