What You Need to Do to Replace Your Tennessee License
To replace a Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. Tennessee does not offer online or mail-in replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license unless you request a new photo or address change at the time of replacement. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local law enforcement and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen license can be used for identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center with a valid ID document and pay the replacement fee, which varies by license type.
- Tennessee issues a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
- Your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date unless you request a new photo or make an address change during the replacement process.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity misuse.
- Driver Services Centers are located in every county; you do not have to visit the center in your home county.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring one document from the Primary ID list and one from the Secondary ID list. If you do not have documents from both lists, you may bring two documents from the Secondary list instead. All documents must be current or expired no more than one year.
| Primary ID (choose one) | Secondary ID (choose one) |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport or passport card | Birth certificate (certified copy) |
| Military ID (active or retired) | Social Security card |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Marriage license or divorce decree |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Utility bill or bank statement with current address |
| Insurance policy or policy statement |
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring the legal document proving the name change (marriage license, divorce decree, or court order).
Replacement Fees and License Types
The replacement fee depends on your license type and how much time remains on your current license. Tennessee charges different rates for Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class M (motorcycle), and commercial licenses.
| License Type | Replacement Fee |
|---|---|
| Class D (regular passenger) | $27.50 |
| Class M (motorcycle) | $27.50 |
| Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | $35 |
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or debit/credit card at most Driver Services Centers, though some locations may have different payment options. If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defaced but still readable, you may be asked to surrender the old license at the counter.
How to Find Your Nearest Driver Services Center
Tennessee has a Driver Services Center in every county. You do not have to visit the center in your home county; you can go to any location that is convenient. To find the address, hours, and phone number of your nearest center, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their Driver Services Center locator tool.
Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you want to confirm current hours, especially during holidays or weather emergencies. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
What Happens After You Submit Your Replacement Request
You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, or other identification purposes while you wait for your permanent plastic card. Write down the temporary license number in case you need it for insurance or other records.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved and did not update your address before requesting the replacement, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied and ask them to update your mailing address. If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, call the Driver Services Center to check the status.
Replacing a License That Was Stolen or Lost
If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local law enforcement agency and keep a copy of the report number. This protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud or traffic violations. You do not need the police report to replace your license at the Driver Services Center, but it is important for your own records.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if your license was stolen along with other personal information. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visiting IdentityTheft.gov.
Replacing a Damaged or Defaced License
If your license is damaged, faded, or the information is no longer readable, you can replace it at any Driver Services Center. Bring the damaged license with you if you still have it; the staff will ask you to surrender it. If the license is completely destroyed or lost, follow the same process as a lost license replacement.
If your license is damaged but still readable and you do not want to replace it yet, you can continue using it until the expiration date. However, if a law enforcement officer or business questions whether the license is valid, you may be asked to obtain a replacement. Replacing a damaged license costs the same as replacing a lost one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Tennessee license if I live out of state?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can keep your Tennessee license as a secondary ID if you wish, but you cannot renew or replace it by mail or online.
What if I don't have my Social Security number memorized?
You must provide your Social Security number at the Driver Services Center. If you do not know it, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. The staff cannot issue a replacement license without it.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It can be used for driving and identification during this time. If your permanent card has not arrived after 30 days, contact the Driver Services Center to request a new temporary license or check the status of your order.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. Your replacement license will use the photo from your original license unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, tell the staff at the Driver Services Center before they process your replacement. A new photo may cost an additional fee; ask the staff for the current charge.
What if my address has changed since my original license?
You can update your address at the same time you request your replacement. Bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement. The staff will update your address in the system, and your replacement license will be mailed to your new address.