What you need to do to replace your Tennessee driver's license
If your Tennessee driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by visiting a Driver Services Center in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your new plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Tennessee requires you to appear in person.
The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license and $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department first, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Tennessee residency to replace your license.
- A replacement license costs $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for a REAL ID license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police or the Tennessee Highway Patrol, but this step is optional.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Tennessee. For identity, the state accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you use your birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID — a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID will work.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current Tennessee address and your name. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to provide your Social Security number at the Driver Services Center.
Finding a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the location, hours, and phone number of the center closest to you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm current hours, as they occasionally change.
You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations allow you to schedule one online or by phone. If your local center has long wait times, scheduling ahead can save you time. Walk-ins are always accepted, though you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon).
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you can report it to your local police department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, but it is not required to get a replacement. If you report it, keep the police report number — some banks or other organizations may ask for it if fraud occurs later.
When you visit the Driver Services Center, tell the staff member that your license was stolen. This information goes into your file and may help if someone later tries to use your old license. You still pay the same replacement fee and follow the same process as if the license were lost.
Temporary license and when your new card arrives
When you complete your replacement visit, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your new plastic card arrives. You should carry both the temporary license and a second form of ID (such as your passport or birth certificate) while you wait for the new card, since some police officers or businesses may not be familiar with the temporary form.
Your new plastic license is mailed to the address you provide at the Driver Services Center, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Do not discard your temporary license until the new card arrives — you need it to drive legally in the meantime.
Replacing a REAL ID versus a standard license
Tennessee offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your old license was a REAL ID, you can replace it with another REAL ID by bringing the same documents listed above.
If your old license was a standard license and you want to upgrade to REAL ID at the time of replacement, you can do so for the $32.50 REAL ID fee instead of the $27.50 standard fee. You do not need any additional documents beyond what is required for a standard replacement. If you want to keep your standard license, you pay $27.50 and receive a standard replacement.
Special situations: Duplicate licenses and address changes
If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license) rather than a replacement, you can request one at any Driver Services Center for $27.50. A duplicate is useful if you want to keep one license at home and carry another, or if you are worried about losing your only copy. The process is the same as a replacement, and you receive a temporary paper license and a new plastic card by mail.
If you are replacing your license and also want to change your address, you can do both at the same visit. Bring proof of your new Tennessee address along with your identity documents. There is no additional fee for the address change — you pay only the $27.50 or $32.50 replacement fee. If your address has changed but your license is not damaged or lost, you can update it separately at any Driver Services Center for $6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?
Yes. Bring your damaged license to the Driver Services Center along with your proof of identity and residency. The staff will accept it as a replacement request even if parts of it are worn, faded, or slightly torn. You pay the standard replacement fee and receive a new card by mail.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it at any Tennessee Driver Services Center. Bring your proof of identity and proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill mailed to your Tennessee address). You do not need to be in Tennessee to request a replacement, but you must appear in person at a Driver Services Center — you cannot mail in the request.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your new plastic card arrives, which is typically 7 to 10 business days. If your new card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center when ready. Do not drive without a valid license once the temporary expires.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?
Yes. Tennessee charges the same replacement fee ($27.50 or $32.50) whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Reporting the theft to police does not waive the fee. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Driver Services Center to request a replacement. However, once your new license arrives by mail, anyone can open and use it since it will be addressed to you at your home. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can request that the Driver Services Center hold your new license for pickup instead of mailing it — ask about this option when you visit.