What you need to do right now
To replace a lost Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $27.50 for a standard replacement.
You do not have to report the loss to police unless you suspect the license was stolen and used fraudulently. However, if you believe someone may use your license number, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to flag it.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at any Tennessee Driver Services office with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- Tennessee will issue you a temporary paper license when ready and mail your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 and does not change based on how long your original license was valid.
- If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all driving purposes.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Documents you must bring to the office
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary ID includes a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have either, you can use a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though this combination takes longer to process.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have moved recently and your ID does not match your current address, bring both the old address proof and the new one.
Where to go and what to expect
Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license. The state operates offices in all 95 counties, and most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Replacement License) at the office. Staff will take a new photo and process your replacement on the spot. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards.
Your temporary license and permanent card
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary is valid for all driving purposes — it satisfies traffic stops, rental car companies, and age verification. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. The temporary is printed on the spot and does not expire until your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Mail delays occasionally happen, especially during high-volume periods. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary becomes invalid and should be discarded.
Cost and payment options
The replacement fee is $27.50. This is a flat fee regardless of how much time remained on your original license. You cannot get a refund for the unused portion of your lost license. Payment is due at the time you explore. Most offices accept cash and debit cards. Some accept checks, but call ahead to confirm your specific location's payment methods.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost, the fee is the same. If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud, you may want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) in addition to replacing your license.
If your address has changed
When you replace your lost license, you can update your address at the same time at no extra cost. Bring proof of your new address to the office. If you moved out of state and are now back in Tennessee, you will need to provide proof of your Tennessee residency. This can be a lease, utility bill, or other document showing your current address.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is the same, but you must go to a full-service Driver Services office, not a limited-service location. Not all offices issue CDLs, so check the website to find one that does.
What to do if you cannot go in person
Tennessee does not allow someone else to explore for your replacement license on your behalf. You must appear in person. If you are unable to visit an office due to disability or medical hardship, contact the Driver Services office directly to discuss options. Some offices may be able to arrange an accommodation, though this is not may provide.
If you are out of state temporarily, you will need to wait until you return to Tennessee to replace your license. There is no way to complete the replacement remotely or through a third party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to explore in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot replace a lost license by mail, online, or through a third party. You must bring valid ID and proof of residency to the office yourself.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID as primary identification. If you have none of these, you will need a certified birth certificate and Social Security card together. Getting a certified birth certificate takes time, so order it from the Tennessee Vital Records office before you visit Driver Services.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your permanent card arrives in the mail, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. It is valid for all driving purposes during that time. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary expires and should be thrown away.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no fee for a reissue due to mail delay.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You do not have to report it unless you believe it was stolen and may be used fraudulently. If you suspect fraud, you can file a report with local police and contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to flag the license number. You should also monitor your credit report for unauthorized activity.