How to Get a Replacement Tennessee Driver's License

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

If your Tennessee driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). You have two main routes: renew by mail if your license is still valid, or visit a driver services center in person if it's expired or you need it urgently. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route costs less and works if you're not in a hurry.

The process depends on why you need the replacement and whether your current license is still valid. A replacement is different from a renewal: you're getting a new card with the same information, not updating your address or renewing an expired license. Tennessee charges a flat fee for replacements, and the state does not mail licenses to your home — you either pick it up at a driver services center or receive it by mail after explore in person.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a valid Tennessee driver's license by mail for $7, or in person at a driver services center for $27 (the in-person fee includes a temporary license you receive when ready).
If your license is expired, you must visit a driver services center in person; mail replacement is only for valid licenses.
Mail replacements take 7 to 10 business days; in-person replacements give you a temporary license on the spot and the permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment; a photo ID helps but is not required if you have your Social Security number.

Replacing a valid license by mail

If your Tennessee driver's license is still valid and you are not in a rush, mailing in your replacement request is the cheapest option. You do not need to visit a driver services center. Fill out Form DL 43 (process for Replacement Driver License), include a check or money order for $7 payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. You will also need to include proof of your Tennessee address — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works.

The replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license this way, so if you need to drive before the new card arrives, you will have to use your old license if it is still in your possession. If your old license was lost or stolen, you cannot legally drive until the replacement arrives, so this route is only practical if you have time to wait or if you still have your original card.

Replacing a license in person at a driver services center

Visit a Tennessee driver services center if your license is expired, if you need it urgently, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of Tennessee residency, and $27 in cash or card. A photo ID is helpful but not required if you can provide your Social Security number. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most centers, though some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis — call ahead to check wait times.

The staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent license arrives by mail, usually within two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive; it is your legal proof of licensure. The permanent card will arrive at the address on file, so make sure your address is current before you leave the center.

What documents and information to bring

For any replacement — mail or in-person — you will need your Social Security number. This is the most important piece of information; without it, the state cannot process your request. Write it down or have it memorized before you go to a driver services center or fill out the mail form.

You also need proof of Tennessee residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, contact TDOSHS to ask about alternative proof.

For in-person replacement, bring payment of $27 in cash, debit card, or credit card. For mail replacement, send a check or money order for $7. A photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) is not required but speeds up the process at a driver services center. If you do not have a photo ID, you can still get a replacement using your Social Security number and residency proof.

Finding a Tennessee driver services center near you

Tennessee operates driver services centers across the state, run by TDOSHS. You can find the nearest center and check its hours on the TDOSHS website. Search by county or city, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some centers have longer wait times than others, especially in urban areas during lunch hours and late afternoon, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

A few driver services centers are located inside the main TDOSHS office in Nashville, but most are standalone locations in county courthouses or government buildings. Hours vary by location — some open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., while others have different schedules. Check the website or call before you go to make sure the center is open when you plan to visit.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

If you explore by mail, your replacement license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you explore in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent card arrives within two weeks. In both cases, the permanent license is mailed to the address on file with the state, so make sure your address is current. If you have moved recently and updated your address at the driver services center, the new license will go to your new address.

If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact TDOSHS to check the status. You can call the main office or visit the website to track your process. If your license was lost or stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Replacing a damaged or worn-out license

If your license is damaged (cracked, faded, or unreadable) or so worn that the information is hard to see, you can replace it using the same process as a lost or stolen license. Bring the damaged card with you if you have it — the staff at a driver services center will take it and destroy it. If you are explore by mail, include the damaged card in the envelope so TDOSHS can remove it from circulation.

A damaged license replacement costs the same as any other replacement: $7 by mail or $27 in person. The state does not charge extra for wear and tear, and you do not need to explain why the card is damaged — straightforward submit your request with the required documents and payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my current license is expired?

No, you cannot replace an expired license by mail. You must visit a driver services center in person. The staff will treat it as both a replacement and a renewal, and you will pay the replacement fee ($27) plus any renewal fees that explore. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person replacement.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Update your address before you request a replacement. You can change your address online through the TDOSHS website, by mail, or in person at a driver services center. Once your address is updated, your replacement license will be mailed to the correct location. If you explore in person, the staff can update your address on the spot before issuing your temporary license.

How long is the temporary license valid?

The temporary paper license issued at a driver services center is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives, usually within two weeks. It is a legal form of identification and proof of licensure. Do not throw it away; keep it with you while you drive. Once your permanent card arrives, you can discard the temporary license.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No, you must pick up your replacement license in person at a driver services center. The state does not allow third parties to collect licenses on behalf of the applicant. However, your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file, so you do not have to return to the center to receive it — it will arrive by mail automatically.

What if my Social Security number is not on file with Tennessee?

Contact TDOSHS before you explore. You will need to provide your Social Security number and verify your identity in person at a driver services center. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, along with your other residency and identity documents. The staff can help you add your Social Security number to your record so you can complete the replacement process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.