What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license

To replace your Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and citizenship, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was lost or stolen, you should also report it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to prevent misuse.

Tennessee does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center, which are located in most counties. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until you resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a required course, or serving a suspension period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid ID document and proof of Tennessee residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to protect yourself from identity misuse.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension ends or you complete required steps to restore it.
  • You can find your nearest Driver Services Center and check wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go.

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 Department of Safety accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a Real ID-compliant driver's license from another state. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. 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.

The replacement fee and how long it takes

A replacement driver's license costs $27.50. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center when you explore. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license.

Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center, though this is not always available. Call ahead to ask whether your local center offers temporary licenses.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Report a lost or stolen license to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security as soon as you know it is missing. You can report it by phone at 615-251-8590 or online through the department's website. Reporting it creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud or opens accounts in your name.

When you visit the Driver Services Center to replace your license, tell the staff that it was lost or stolen. They will note this in your file. You do not need a police report to replace a lost license, but if your license was stolen as part of a broader theft or identity theft, filing a police report is a good idea for your own records.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension ends or you complete the steps required to restore it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence.

To find out why your license is suspended, call the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 or visit a Driver Services Center. Once you know the reason, you can take the necessary steps — paying fines, completing a DUI education course, or waiting out the suspension period. After you have resolved the issue, you can explore for a replacement license.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is damaged, faded, or unreadable — for example, if the barcode no longer scans or the photo is worn away — you can replace it the same way you would replace a lost license. Bring your damaged license along with your proof of identity and residency to the Driver Services Center.

The staff will take your damaged license and issue you a new one. You do not need to explain how the damage happened. The process and fee are the same as a standard replacement.

Finding a Driver Services Center near you

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you and check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Many centers allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time.

Centers are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance, because wait times vary by location and time of day. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some centers offer evening or Saturday appointments — ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

If the fine is unpaid and has resulted in a license suspension, you cannot replace your license until you pay the fine or resolve it through the court. If you have a ticket but no suspension, you can replace your license, but you should still address the ticket to avoid future suspension.

What if I moved to Tennessee from another state and my old license is damaged?

You cannot straightforward replace an out-of-state license in Tennessee. You must get a Tennessee driver's license instead. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to a Driver Services Center. The process is the same as a replacement, and the fee is $27.50.

How do I replace my license if I cannot visit a Driver Services Center in person?

Tennessee does not offer mail-in or online replacement. You must appear in person. If you are unable to visit due to a disability or medical condition, call the Tennessee Department of Safety at 615-251-8590 to ask about accommodations or alternative options.

Will my replacement license have a different number than my original?

No. A replacement license has the same number as your original. Your license number stays the same throughout your life in Tennessee unless you change your name or the department issues a new number for security reasons.

What happens if my replacement license arrives damaged in the mail?

Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your license number and a photo of the damage. They will issue a replacement at no additional charge. You do not need to visit a Driver Services Center again.