How to order a replacement learner's permit in Tennessee

You can order a replacement Tennessee learner's permit by mail, in person at a Driver Services office, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The fastest route is online if you have a valid email address and a way to pay the fee. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

You'll need your current learner's permit number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The replacement fee is $7 for a standard permit. Tennessee doesn't charge extra for expedited processing, so there's no faster paid option — the method you choose determines the speed.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is the fastest option and takes one to three business days.
  • Mail-in replacement requires a completed form, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.
  • In-person replacement at any Driver Services office is when ready but you must bring your current permit, proof of residency, and payment.
  • The replacement fee is $7 regardless of method, and you cannot expedite for an additional cost.
  • If your permit was lost or stolen, you may need to report it to the office before ordering a replacement, depending on the reason.

Ordering online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the Driver Services section. Select "Replace a Learner's Permit" or "Order a Duplicate Permit." You'll enter your learner's permit number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Once verified, you'll pay the $7 fee by credit card or debit card. The new permit will be mailed to the address on file within one to three business days. You should receive it within a week in most cases. Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction in case you need to check the status later.

Ordering by mail

read or request the process for Duplicate Driver License or Learner Permit form (form DL 44) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill in your current permit number, full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $7 made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — this is typically the Driver Services headquarters in Nashville, though some regional offices accept mail. Include a note with your current mailing address if it differs from what's on your permit. Mail processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.

Ordering in person at a Driver Services office

Bring your current learner's permit, a valid photo ID (such as a passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need $7 in cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts. Most offices accept all three payment methods, but call ahead to confirm.

Walk in during regular business hours — no appointment is needed for a replacement permit. The office will verify your information, take a new photo if your current permit photo is damaged or outdated, and issue the replacement on the spot. You'll leave with your new permit the same day. Hours vary by location, so check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for your nearest office and its schedule.

What to do if your permit was lost or stolen

If your permit was lost, you can order a replacement using any of the three methods above without additional steps. If it was stolen, you may want to report the theft to the Driver Services office or local police, though this is not required to order a replacement. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use the stolen permit.

When you order the replacement, note in any written communication (mail or in-person) that the original was stolen. This helps the office flag the old permit in their system so it cannot be used. Online, there may be a checkbox or note field for this; if not, call the office after you submit to let them know.

If your address has changed since your permit was issued

You can update your address when you order the replacement. Online, the system will ask if you want to change your mailing address before you pay. By mail, write your new address clearly on the form or in a separate note. In person, tell the office staff your new address and they'll update it in the system before issuing the replacement.

The new permit will be mailed to whichever address you provide during the replacement process. If you don't update it, the permit will go to the address currently on file, which may be old. Updating during replacement is simpler than changing your address separately later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement permit?

Online takes one to three business days. Mail takes about two weeks from when the office receives your envelope. In person is when ready — you leave with the permit the same day.

Can I use my old permit while I wait for the replacement?

If your old permit is still in your possession (lost but not yet replaced), you can use it to drive with a supervising licensed driver. If it was stolen or damaged beyond use, you cannot drive on a learner's permit until the replacement arrives. You'll need to wait for the new permit before you can legally practice driving.

What if I don't have a check or money order for the mail option?

You can order online with a credit or debit card instead, which is faster. If you must mail it, some offices may accept a credit card number written on the form, but this is not standard — call the office first to ask. In person, most offices take cash, check, or card.

Do I need an appointment to replace my permit in person?

No. Driver Services offices handle replacements on a walk-in basis. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

What if my permit is damaged but not lost?

You can still order a replacement using any of the three methods. Bring the damaged permit with you if you go in person — the office will take it and issue a new one. By mail or online, just note that the original is damaged and unreadable.