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 residency, pay the replacement fee (currently $27.50 for a standard license), and pass a vision test. Tennessee does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department before you go to the Driver Services Center. Bring that report number with you — it protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center; Tennessee does not process lost license replacements by mail or online.
Bring a valid form of photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current Tennessee address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, and you will pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card at the counter.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card in the 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.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center

Tennessee requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID card, a state ID card from another state, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your 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, or a government check. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you do not have a document in your name at your current address, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at that address and has a document showing they live there. This is slower and requires coordination, so avoid it if possible.

Finding a Driver Services Center and what to expect

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or zip code. Centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have limited hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

Bring your documents, the replacement fee, and your Social Security number (you will need to provide it). You will complete a form at the counter, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the center is. Arrive early in the day or mid-week if you want to avoid a wait.

You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent card — you can use it to drive, board a domestic flight, or enter a federal building. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a lost standard driver's license in Tennessee is $27.50. This is a flat rate regardless of how long your original license had left before expiration. If you are replacing a license that was also damaged, the fee is the same.

Driver Services Centers accept cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. Some centers may have restrictions on which cards they take, so bring a backup payment method if possible. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your permanent card.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license is a higher security risk than a lost one because someone else has it. Before you go to the Driver Services Center, file a report with your local police department or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. You can file online through the TBI website or in person at your local police station. The report takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Bring your police report number to the Driver Services Center. Tell the staff member that your license was stolen, not lost. This flags your old license number in the system so that if someone tries to use it, the mismatch will be caught. Some Driver Services Centers will also file the report for you if you ask, but it is faster to do it yourself first.

If you discover fraudulent activity on your name or credit report after your license was stolen, contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Identity Theft Unit or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

What happens if your permanent card does not arrive

Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Have your temporary paper license and the date you applied ready when you call.

If your permanent card is lost in the mail, you can request a replacement at no additional cost. The Driver Services Center will reissue it. If your card arrives damaged or with errors on it, return to the Driver Services Center with the card and your temporary license, and they will issue a corrected one at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license if I am out of state?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center. If you are temporarily out of state, you will need to return to Tennessee to explore. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you have time to plan a trip back if needed.

What if I lost my license and I am not sure of my Social Security number?

You will need your Social Security number to complete the replacement form. If you do not know it, bring a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, Social Security card, or bank statement. The Driver Services Center staff can help you look it up if you bring proof of identity.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. Tennessee requires a new photo for every license replacement, even if your old license photo is recent. You cannot use a photo from your previous license. The photo is taken at the Driver Services Center as part of the replacement process.

Can I replace my license if it expired while I was waiting for the replacement?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid even if your original license expired. When your permanent card arrives, it will be issued with a new expiration date based on your age and license class. You do not need to renew separately.

What if I moved to Tennessee recently and my old out-of-state license is lost?

You will need to obtain a Tennessee license rather than replace your old one. This requires the same documents and process as a replacement, but you will also need to surrender or destroy your old out-of-state license if you have it. If your old license is lost, bring a police report or a signed statement that it is lost. The Driver Services Center will issue you a new Tennessee license.

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.