How to Replace a Lost Tennessee Driver's License

What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost 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. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $27.50 for a standard license), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) or your local police department before you go to the Driver Services Center. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report number with you when you explore for the replacement.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center with a valid photo ID and proof of Tennessee residency; no online or mail-in replacements are available.
The replacement fee is $27.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 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 protect yourself against identity misuse.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.
You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost or stolen license, only to replace one that was suspended or revoked.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring one form of valid photo identification and one proof of residency. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. It does not have to be a Tennessee license.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity and residency — for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Call your local Driver Services Center ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

Finding Your Nearest Driver Services Center and Hours

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in 92 locations across the state. The main office is in Nashville, but you can visit any center regardless of where you live or where your license was issued. Find the center nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety.

Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some centers occasionally close for staff training or maintenance.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license at most centers, but some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the website for your specific center to see whether appointments are available or recommended.

What Happens When You Arrive at the Center

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost or stolen license. They will ask you to complete Form DL 44 (process for Tennessee Driver License or Identification Card). The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and other basic information. You will also declare whether your license was lost or stolen.

The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $27.50 fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card — accepted payment methods vary by location, so bring cash if you are unsure. They will then issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Keep the temporary license with you at all times while driving. It is a legal document and satisfies the requirement to carry your license. Your permanent license will arrive at the address you provided on the process within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied.

If Your License Was Stolen: Filing a Police Report First

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, file a theft report with your local police department or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation before you go to the Driver Services Center. You can file in person, by phone, or online depending on your local police department's options. The report creates an official record that protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

When you file the report, ask for a report number or case number. Write it down and bring it with you to the Driver Services Center. Give the number to the staff member when you explore for your replacement. This alerts the state that your license was stolen and flags any suspicious activity tied to that license number.

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license — for example, they were stopped by police or incurred traffic violations in your name — contact the police department again with the details. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect against identity theft.

Fees and What to Expect in the Mail

The replacement fee for a standard Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. This is a one-time fee for the replacement itself; you do not pay again when your permanent license arrives. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is $27.50 for a standard REAL ID license or $32.50 for an enhanced REAL ID license. Ask the staff member which type you currently hold so you can request the same type for your replacement.

Your permanent license will arrive in a plain envelope with a return address from the Tennessee Department of Safety. The envelope will contain your new license card and nothing else. Do not discard the envelope or assume it is junk mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, call the Driver Services Center where you applied and provide your process date and the temporary license number.

Special Situations: Suspended, Revoked, or Expired Licenses

If your license was suspended or revoked when it was lost, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety. Contact the Driver Services Center or call 615-251-8000 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it.

If your license was expired when you lost it, you can still replace it as a lost license. However, you will receive a new license with a new expiration date. If your license was about to expire anyway, you may want to renew it instead of replacing it — the renewal fee is $27.50 and the process is the same, but your new license will have a longer validity period. Ask the staff member at the Driver Services Center which option makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a photo ID?

Yes. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, bring two other documents that together prove your identity and residency — for example, a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill. Call your local Driver Services Center ahead of time to confirm that your documents will work, because the staff member has some discretion in what they accept.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you should have it well before the temporary expires. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Driver Services Center when ready.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process. If you move after you explore but before it arrives, contact the Driver Services Center right away with your new address. They may be able to update it in the system, but if the license has already been mailed, you may need to file a change of address with the post office or request a replacement to the new address.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to replace a lost license?

No. Replacing a lost or stolen license does not require you to retake any tests. You only retake the written or road test if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you are renewing after it has been expired for more than one year.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your photo ID and proof of residency. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with your current name. There is no additional fee for a name change during a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.