What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Tennessee does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a report with the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department before going to the Driver Services Center. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. Bring the police report number with you when you explore for the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center with valid proof of identity and proof of current Tennessee residency.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, and you must pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Driver Services Center to document the theft.
  • Tennessee has no online or mail-in option for lost license replacement, so you cannot complete this process by phone or through the mail.

Finding the Nearest Driver Services Center

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state, and you can visit any location regardless of which county issued your original license. The main office is the Nashville Driver Services Center at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210, but there are satellite locations in most major cities including Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville.

To find the center closest to you, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool, or call 615-251-8590 to confirm hours and current wait times. Many centers operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check before you go, because hours vary by location and some centers close for lunch.

Documents You Must Bring

You need two things: proof of identity and proof of current Tennessee residency. Your identity document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID card.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government notice. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the document, plus that person's ID.

Do not bring a photocopy of your lost license—it is not needed and will not speed up the process. The Driver Services Center will look up your record in their system using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods

The fee to replace a lost or stolen driver's license in Tennessee is $27.50. This is the same fee whether you lost it or it was stolen. You must pay at the time of your visit; Tennessee does not bill you later or allow you to pay online before you arrive.

The Driver Services Center accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the Tennessee Department of Safety. There is no additional fee for paying by card, and no discount for paying in cash. If you cannot pay the fee on the day you visit, you will not be able to complete the replacement that day.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, go to the counter with your identity document and proof of residency.

The staff member will verify your information, ask you to confirm your address, and may ask whether your license was lost or stolen. If it was stolen, provide the police report number. You will then be taken to have a new photo taken—wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, as you cannot retake the photo if you do not like it. After your photo is taken, you will pay the $27.50 fee and receive a temporary paper license.

The 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 license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call 615-251-8590 to check the status.

If Your License Was Stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you losing it, file a police report with the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department before you go to the Driver Services Center. You can file the report in person at a police station, or in some jurisdictions you can file online or by phone. Ask for a report number when you file.

Bring the police report number with you to the Driver Services Center. The staff will note in the system that your license was stolen, which creates a record if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You do not need a copy of the full police report, just the number. If you cannot get a report number before your visit, go ahead and replace the license anyway—you can call the Driver Services Center later with the number and they can add it to your record.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of your lost license or a photocopy of your identity document. Tennessee requires original documents or certified copies. A photocopy of your passport or birth certificate will not be accepted, even if it is notarized.

Another mistake is bringing a document that shows an old address. Your proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current Tennessee address. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. If you recently moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, a lease agreement, a bank statement, or a government notice with your new address will work.

Do not assume you can mail in your documents or handle this by phone. Tennessee requires you to appear in person and have a new photo taken. There is no exception for people who live far from a Driver Services Center or who have mobility issues—you must visit a center or arrange for someone to help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot mail in your documents, and there is no online replacement option. You must visit a center with your identity document and proof of residency, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee in person.

How long does it take to get my plastic license in the mail?

Your plastic license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. The temporary paper license you receive at the counter is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait for the plastic card. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call 615-251-8590 to check the status or request a replacement.

What if I do not have a document that proves my Tennessee address?

If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you and whose name appears on one of those documents, plus that person's ID. The letter must state that you live at that address. Some Driver Services Centers may also accept other documents—call ahead to ask what they will accept.

Do I need to report my license as stolen to the police before I go to the Driver Services Center?

It is not required, but it is recommended. Filing a police report creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number. If you file a report, bring the report number with you to the Driver Services Center so they can note it in their system.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person to have your photo taken and complete the replacement. No one else can do this on your behalf, even with a power of attorney or written permission. If you have a disability or mobility issue, call 615-251-8590 to ask about accommodations or mobile services in your area.