What you need to do to get a replacement license in Tennessee
To get a replacement Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services office in person, bring your current license or proof of identity, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state mails your plastic card, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You need a replacement if your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name or address has changed. Tennessee does not mail replacement licenses — you must go to an office. There is no online or mail-in option for this transaction.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID; there is no online or mail-in replacement process in Tennessee.
- The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license and $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department for your records.
- Bring your current license if you have it, or bring a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID if your license is lost or too damaged to use.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license if you still have it. If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to present, bring one of these instead: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. You also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a license because your address changed, you do not need a separate address document; you straightforward provide the new address when you fill out the process form at the office.
Bring your current address proof only if you are also updating your address and do not have a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement at home. Most people do not need to bring this, but having it on hand speeds things up if the office asks for it.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Tennessee has 74 Driver Services offices across the state. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one in your county. To find the office nearest you, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, click "Driver Services," and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go, because hours vary by location. Some offices get very busy in the afternoon, so arriving in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
You do not need an appointment at most Tennessee Driver Services offices, but a few locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area. If they are, booking one can save you 30 minutes or more of waiting time.
The fee and what type of license to choose
A standard Tennessee driver's license replacement costs $27. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $32. The difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025.
If you fly domestically or plan to, choose the REAL ID option. If you do not fly and do not enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other uses. You pay the fee at the Driver Services office when you complete your transaction. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are replacing your license because it was stolen, you are not charged an extra fee for the replacement itself. You pay only the standard $27 or $32 depending on which type you choose. Some people worry they will be charged twice; you will not.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement license, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft.
When you go to the Driver Services office, tell the staff member that your license was stolen. They will note this in the system. You will still pay the standard replacement fee and receive your temporary paper license and plastic card on the same timeline as anyone else.
If you believe your identity has been compromised beyond just the lost license, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can protect you from identity theft.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
When you finish at the Driver Services office, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes just like your plastic card. Keep it with you while you wait for your replacement card to arrive.
Your new plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you do not receive your card within 14 days, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to check the status. Do not assume it is lost; the mail can be slow.
If your replacement card arrives damaged or with an error on it, you can return to any Driver Services office and request a corrected card. There is no additional fee for this if the error was made by the state.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and damaged licenses
If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This is the same process as a regular replacement; you pay the same fee and follow the same steps.
If you are changing your address, you do not need to do anything special. straightforward provide your new address when you fill out the form at the office. Your new license will show the updated address. If you move again before your card arrives, you can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or at your next visit to a Driver Services office.
If your current license is damaged but still readable, you can bring it to the office and request a replacement. If it is so damaged that your photo or information cannot be seen, the office may ask you to have a new photo taken. This is standard and costs nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license mailed to me instead of picking it up?
No. Tennessee does not offer mail-in replacement licenses. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to explore. Your temporary paper license is issued on the spot, and your plastic card is mailed to you automatically after you explore.
What if I do not have my Social Security card?
You can bring a document showing your Social Security number instead, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement. You do not have to carry your actual Social Security card to the office.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Tennessee?
No. A standard Tennessee driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You need a REAL ID license only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. For driving alone, either type works.
How long does a replacement license take if I need it urgently?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you visit the office, and it is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Tennessee does not offer expedited mail service for replacement licenses, so this timeline cannot be shortened.
What if my replacement card arrives with the wrong information on it?
Return to any Driver Services office with your card and explain the error. The office will issue a corrected card at no charge if the mistake was made by the state. Bring your temporary paper license or another form of ID.