What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes, costs $27.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's non-emergency line or file a report online through the state police website. This step is not required to get a replacement, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center with a valid ID and proof of your current Tennessee address.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Tennessee has no online or mail-in replacement process, and you cannot use a third-party service to submit your request.
- If your license was stolen, report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol to create an official record, though this does not speed up the replacement.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services Center and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring one document from the primary identity list: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, a military dependent ID, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). If you do not have any of these, you may bring two documents from the secondary list instead: a certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, a school or work ID, a bank statement, or a utility bill.
You must also bring proof of your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the state counts as proof of residency.
Bring the damaged license itself if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number if you have one, though it is not required. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized—you will need to provide it at the counter.
Finding a Driver Services Center and Scheduling Your Visit
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in every county. You do not need an appointment; all centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Centers in rural counties often have shorter waits than those in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga.
Find your nearest center and its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety. Search by county or city. Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday hours. A few centers close for lunch. Check the specific hours for your location before you go.
If you live in a county with only one center and it has very long wait times, you can visit a center in an adjacent county. You do not have to go to the center nearest your home. Some people find it faster to drive to a less-busy location than to wait at a crowded one.
What Happens at the Counter and What You Pay
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk. A staff member will call you to a window, verify your documents, and ask you to confirm your address and Social Security number. They will take a new photo unless your current license photo is less than five years old and you request to keep it. You cannot bring your own photo.
The replacement fee is $27.50. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all Driver Services Centers. Some centers also accept checks. Ask at the counter which payment methods they take if you are unsure.
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 any other purpose that requires a driver's license. Your plastic replacement card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied.
If Your License Was Stolen: Reporting and Next Steps
Reporting a stolen license is optional but recommended. You can file a report online through the Tennessee Highway Patrol website at tn.gov/thp, or call the non-emergency line for your local police department or sheriff's office. Provide your driver's license number, the date you discovered it was missing, and any other details you remember.
Creating an official report does not speed up your replacement license or prevent someone from using your stolen license—only the replacement itself does that. However, a report creates a record if someone later uses your stolen license to commit fraud or traffic violations. You can reference the report number when you explore for the replacement.
If you believe your stolen license has been used fraudulently, also file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft hotline. These steps are separate from the license replacement process.
Damaged Licenses and Photo Issues
If your license is damaged—cracked, faded, water-damaged, or unreadable—bring it with you to the Driver Services Center. The staff will assess whether it qualifies for a free replacement or a $27.50 replacement fee. Licenses with minor cosmetic damage may not may have access to for replacement; the staff member at the counter makes this information.
If your current photo is more than five years old or you are unhappy with it, you can request a new photo when you explore for the replacement. There is no extra fee for a new photo. You cannot bring a photo from home or use a digital image; the center takes a new photo on site.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. Many people bring an expired passport, an out-of-state ID, or a document that does not show their current address. Check the acceptable documents list on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before you go, and bring one extra document in case the first one is questioned.
Another frequent error is not bringing proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill from three months ago will not work. If you recently moved and have not received a bill at your new address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.
Do not assume you can use a mail-in service or third-party vendor. Tennessee does not allow mail-in replacements or online processing. Any service claiming to replace your license without an in-person visit is not legitimate. You must go to a Driver Services Center yourself.
If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, the replacement process is the same, but you will not receive a valid license—you will receive a document stating your driving privilege status. Contact the Driver Services Center before you go if you have questions about your license status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different county's Driver Services Center?
Yes. You do not have to visit the center in your home county. If another county's center has shorter wait times or more convenient hours, you can go there instead. Bring the same documents no matter which center you visit.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You must provide a Social Security number to get a Tennessee driver's license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you visit the Driver Services Center. The replacement process cannot proceed without it.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive in the mail?
The plastic replacement card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Mail delivery time varies by location, but most people receive it within two weeks. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied to verify the mailing address.
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or cross the border?
No. The temporary paper license is valid for driving and voting in Tennessee, but it is not accepted as federal ID for air travel or border crossing. You must have your plastic license or another form of federal ID like a passport for those purposes.
What if my address changed since my last license was issued?
Bring proof of your current address to the Driver Services Center. The staff will update your address in the system when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file.