How to replace your Tennessee driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license by visiting a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. The replacement takes about 15 minutes, costs $19.50, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until that status is cleared — you'll need to contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out what steps restore your driving privilege.
Tennessee does not offer online or mail-in replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office, which operates in most counties. If you live outside Tennessee, you can still replace your license by mail, but the process takes longer and requires notarized documents.
Key Takeaways
- Replacement licenses cost $19.50 and require a visit to a Driver Services office with proof of identity and current address.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before you can replace it.
- Out-of-state residents can request replacement by mail using a notarized process, though processing takes 3 to 4 weeks.
- Replacement licenses are valid for the same expiration date as your original license unless you renew at the same time.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) and one document showing your current Tennessee address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a document with your current address, you can bring two documents showing your name and an older address, plus a signed statement explaining why you cannot produce a current address document.
If you're replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you don't need to report it to police first — the Driver Services office will process the replacement without a police report. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it.
Finding and visiting a Driver Services office
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in 95 counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you live in a county without a Driver Services office, you can visit an office in an adjacent county. Some counties also have mobile Driver Services units that visit on a rotating schedule; check the state website to see if your area has one.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Tennessee driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until that status ends. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI conviction, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status.
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or satisfy a court order. Once your status is cleared, you can replace your license at any Driver Services office.
Replacing your license by mail if you live out of state
If you've moved out of Tennessee and need to replace your license, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver License or Learner Permit (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Complete the form, have it notarized, and mail it along with a copy of your government-issued photo ID and a check or money order for $19.50 to the address listed on the form.
Mail-in replacements take 3 to 4 weeks to process. Your temporary paper license will not be issued in this case, so you'll have no valid Tennessee license until the plastic card arrives. If you need to drive in Tennessee before your replacement arrives, you may need to obtain a license in your current state instead.
Renewing instead of replacing
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. Renewal costs $27 for a standard license and extends your expiration date by eight years. If you replace without renewing, your new license will expire on the same date as your original license. Many people choose to renew at replacement time to avoid a second trip to Driver Services in a few months.
To renew while replacing, tell the Driver Services staff when you arrive. You'll pay both the $19.50 replacement fee and the $27 renewal fee. The temporary paper license you receive will show both the replacement and renewal, and your plastic card will arrive with the new expiration date.
Real ID compliance and replacement
Tennessee driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. When you replace your license, you automatically receive a Real ID-compliant card — no extra step is required. The card will have a gold star in the upper right corner.
If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID-compliant license, passport, military ID, or other approved document. A replacement Tennessee license satisfies this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Not if your license is suspended because of the ticket or fine. You must pay the fine or resolve the court case first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to confirm your status before visiting Driver Services.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2026, your replacement will also expire in 2026. You can renew at the time of replacement if you prefer a longer validity period.
What if I lost my license and don't have a current address document?
Bring two documents showing your name and an older address, plus a signed statement explaining why you cannot produce a document with your current address. The Driver Services office will accept this in place of a recent utility bill or lease.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card or birth certificate?
No. For replacement, you only need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. Social Security card and birth certificate are required for new licenses or name changes, not for replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Driver Services office to receive your temporary paper license. Your plastic card will be mailed to the address you provide, so someone else can receive it at your home, but the initial replacement transaction requires your presence.