What You Need to Do to Replace Your Tennessee License
To get a replacement Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew a replacement license by mail or online — the state requires you to appear at an office location. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have all documents ready, and your new license is issued the same day.
Tennessee issues replacement licenses for five reasons: your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or you need to correct information on it, or you want to change your name or address without renewing early. Each situation follows the same in-person procedure, but the documents you bring and the fee you pay may differ slightly.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Tennessee address to get a replacement license.
- The replacement fee is $17.50 if your license is lost or stolen, or $7 if it is damaged, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- Your new license is printed and issued the same day you visit the office, so you leave with it in hand.
- If you need to correct your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, court order, or utility bill — along with your ID.
- Tennessee Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and you do not need an appointment at most locations.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If your license is damaged but readable, bring it anyway; the office will accept it as proof of your identity.
You must also bring proof that you live in Tennessee. The state accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance statement, or paycheck stub also counts if it shows both your name and address.
If you are replacing your license because your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order must be an official copy, not a photocopy. If you changed your name through marriage and your marriage certificate is from another state, bring the certified copy issued by that state's vital records office.
Replacement Fees and What They Cover
The replacement fee depends on why you need a new license. If your license was lost or stolen, you pay $17.50. If your license is damaged, you pay $7. If you are replacing your license only to correct information or change your address without renewing early, you pay $7. These fees are current as of 2024 and are paid in cash or card at the Driver Services office when you submit your process.
The fee covers the cost of printing your new license and issuing it the same day. It does not include any other services. If you need a duplicate copy of your license for a second address or backup, you must pay another replacement fee for each copy.
Where to Go and What to Expect
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most Driver Services offices. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. At busy offices, wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour, especially on Fridays or early in the month. If you want to avoid a wait, go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in the middle of the month.
When it is your turn, tell the clerk you need a replacement license. Hand over your documents, answer questions about your identity and address, and sit for a new photo. The clerk will print your license on the spot and hand it to you before you leave. Your old license is kept by the office.
Replacing a License That Was Lost or Stolen
If your license was lost or stolen, you pay the $17.50 replacement fee. You do not have to file a police report or provide proof that the license was stolen — the office will issue a replacement based on your word and your identity documents. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department for your own records.
Once your replacement license is issued, your old license is no longer valid. If you find your old license later, do not use it. Bring it to any Driver Services office and they will destroy it, or you can destroy it yourself by cutting it in half.
Correcting Information or Changing Your Address
If your license has an error — a misspelled name, wrong birth date, or incorrect address — you can get it corrected by visiting a Driver Services office and paying the $7 replacement fee. Bring your current license and a document that proves the correct information. For a name correction, bring a birth certificate or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
You can also change your address without replacing your license by updating it online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website, but only if your address change is not tied to a name change or other corrections. If you change your address online, your physical license still shows your old address, but your record in the system is updated. If you want your new address printed on your license, you must visit an office and pay the $7 replacement fee.
Replacing a Damaged License
If your license is worn, faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged but still readable, bring it to a Driver Services office and pay the $7 replacement fee. You do not need to explain how it was damaged. The office will take your old license and issue a new one with the same information, the same expiration date, and a new photo.
If your license is so damaged that the information cannot be read, the office may ask you to provide additional identity documents to confirm your name and birth date. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card if you think your license may be unreadable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current license is expired?
Yes. You can get a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license even if it is expired. However, if you are replacing an expired license only to renew it, you should renew instead of replace, because renewal is cheaper and does not require a new photo. Renewal costs $27 and can be done by mail or online.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and address. If you do not have one, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a statement. Some offices will accept a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead if it shows your address. Call your local Driver Services office and ask what they will accept before you visit.
How long does my replacement license last?
Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired three years ago, your replacement also expires three years from now. You do not get a new expiration date when you replace a license — only when you renew it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Tennessee requires you to be present in person to have your photo taken and receive your license. You cannot send someone else to pick it up or have it mailed to you. You must visit the office yourself.
What if my name changed and I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. You cannot use a photocopy or an uncertified copy from your personal records — the office must have an official certified copy issued by the vital records office.