The fastest way to replace your Tennessee driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The method you choose depends on whether you need your license quickly and whether you want to renew it at the same time.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days. Online replacement through the TDOSHS website is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or other information — it takes about the same time as mail but you do not leave your house.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation and how quickly you need it.
- In-person replacement at a Driver Services office gives you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 days.
- Mail and online replacement cost the same as in-person but take longer and do not give you a temporary license.
- You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment — bring your original documents or certified copies, not photos.
- If your license is expired, you cannot use online replacement and must go in person or by mail.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services office
Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office with your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and payment. You do not need to bring your old license — it is lost or damaged anyway. The office staff will take your photo, process your replacement, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Tennessee address. A government-issued ID from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency. The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though a few accept cash only — call ahead if you are unsure.
Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid during that time. You do not need an appointment at most Driver Services offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the TDOSHS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
Mail-in replacement without visiting an office
Complete the process for Replacement Driver License form (form DL 44) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your proof of residency and payment. Do not send your original documents — send copies. Include a check or money order for $27 made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date TDOSHS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license with this method, so you cannot drive legally during that time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must go to a Driver Services office in person instead.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address on the DL 44 form. You can read the form from the TDOSHS website or request one by calling the Driver Services customer service line. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there are questions about your process.
Online replacement through the TDOSHS website
Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the online replacement option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.
Online replacement is only available if your current license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. If any of those things explore to you, you must use in-person or mail-in replacement instead. Like mail-in replacement, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally while waiting for your permanent license to arrive.
Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email after you complete the online form. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact TDOSHS customer service to check the status of your order.
What documents you need to bring or send
| Document Type | What Counts | Original or Copy? |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Tennessee address dated within 60 days | Original for in-person; copy for mail |
| Proof of Identity | Passport, military ID, or government-issued ID from another state | Original for in-person; copy for mail |
| Social Security Number | Your nine-digit SSN (you do not need to bring a card) | Verbal or written |
| Payment | $27 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card | N/A |
If your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot use online replacement. You must go in person or use mail-in replacement. If your license expires within the next 30 days, you can still replace it using any method, but you may want to renew instead of replace — renewal costs the same and gives you a fresh expiration date.
At a Driver Services office, you can ask the staff whether replacement or renewal makes more sense for your situation. If you choose to renew at the same time as replacing, the process is the same and costs the same. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on your age and license type.
Temporary license and what it covers
The temporary paper license you receive in person is valid for 30 days and covers all the same driving privileges as your permanent license. You can drive anywhere in Tennessee and out of state with it. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license.
Keep the temporary license with you while you drive. If your permanent license arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary one is no longer valid — destroy it and use your permanent license instead. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, return to a Driver Services office and request another temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in Tennessee?
In-person replacement gives you a temporary license the same day and a permanent one in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in and online replacement take 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license. If you need to drive when ready, go to a Driver Services office in person.
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
Yes, you can replace an expired license using any method. However, if your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot use online replacement — you must go in person or use mail. Consider renewing instead if your license is close to expiring anyway.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must have proof of residency dated within 60 days showing your current Tennessee address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a recent bank statement. Call a Driver Services office to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present in person to have your photo taken for your replacement license. You cannot authorize someone else to do this on your behalf. However, once your permanent license arrives by mail, anyone can collect it from your mailbox.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety customer service line and explain the problem. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional cost. If the information is wrong, bring proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for a name change) to a Driver Services office or include it with your mail request.