What you need to do to replace a lost Tennessee driver's license

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 pay a 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.

You cannot use an expired license as your proof of identity for this transaction, so you will need to bring a different document — a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill are common choices. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the counter, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard driver's license, payable by cash, check, or card at most locations.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you will need it to complete the replacement form.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or local police, though this is not required for the replacement itself.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. Your proof of identity must be an original document (not a photocopy) and cannot be your expired driver's license. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state.

Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the utility bill.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that displays it, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

Where to find a Driver Services office and what to expect

Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in all 95 counties. The main office is located in Nashville at 1150 Foster Avenue, but you can visit any regional office closest to you. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Arrive early if possible — offices tend to be busier between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some locations allow you to check wait times online before you go. You do not need an appointment for a replacement, but a few high-traffic offices offer optional appointment scheduling through their website.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not misplace anything while waiting. The staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo, collect your fee, and print your temporary license on the spot.

The fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. If you are replacing a license that was damaged (not lost or stolen), the fee is the same. Most Driver Services offices accept cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. A few smaller rural offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you are uncertain.

If you are replacing a license that was stolen, you do not pay an additional fee to report it or to flag it in the system. The $27.50 covers the replacement itself.

Your temporary license and when your permanent license arrives

Before you leave the Driver Services office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on cardstock. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days. You can use it as proof of identity and driving privileges while you wait for your permanent license.

Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your process number (printed on your temporary license).

Do not discard your temporary license when your permanent one arrives. Keep both until you are certain the permanent license is correct, in case you need to return to the office to correct an error.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is bringing an expired driver's license as your only form of ID. Tennessee will not accept it, and you will have to leave and return with a different document. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID instead.

Another common mistake is providing a utility bill or lease in someone else's name without a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. The staff member will ask you to provide the letter before processing your process, which delays the transaction.

Do not assume you can renew your license at the same time you replace it. If your license is lost, you must replace it first. Once your permanent replacement arrives, you can renew it separately if it is expiring soon — but that is a different transaction with a different fee.

If you are replacing a stolen license, do not delay reporting it. Although you can replace it at any time, reporting it to police or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation creates an official record in case someone tries to use the stolen number for fraud.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same, but you have an additional step. Contact your local police department or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to file a report. Provide them with your license number (if you know it) and the date you discovered it was missing. This creates an official record and may help if the license is later used fraudulently.

You do not need a police report number to replace your license at Driver Services — the replacement process does not require it. However, keeping a copy of the report for your records is wise, especially if you later discover fraudulent activity tied to your license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot mail in a replacement request or complete the process online. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you have none of these, contact the Driver Services office before you go — they can advise you on alternative documents that may work in your situation.

Can I get my license replaced the same day?

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no option for same-day permanent license issuance in Tennessee.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

Reporting is not required to replace your license, but it is recommended if your license was stolen. A police report creates an official record in case the license is later used fraudulently. Contact your local police department to file a report.

What if my address has changed since my lost license was issued?

Provide your current address when you explore for the replacement. The new license will show your updated address. Bring proof of your current residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).