What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost driver's license in Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $27.50 for a standard license), take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with the police department in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. This creates a record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report number with you to the Driver Services office if you have it, though it is not required.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office with a valid photo ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard driver's license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; do not expect it sooner.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Driver Services office.
- You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
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 a valid, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID card from another state. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID will not work on its own.
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 (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government notice (such as a tax bill or voter registration card). A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.
If you have a police report for a stolen license, bring the report number or a copy of the report itself. This is optional but recommended. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose; bring copies or bring the originals and ask the staff to return them.
Finding the Nearest Driver Services Office and Hours
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices across the state through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official Tennessee Driver Services website. Not all offices are open the same hours; some close for lunch, and some have limited weekend hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go.
Larger cities have multiple offices. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga each have at least two locations. If one office has a long wait, you can visit another. Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you need to replace a lost license. You will be asked to present your proof of identity and proof of residency. The staff will verify your information against the Tennessee driver's license database and confirm that your license is still valid (not expired for more than one year).
You will then be taken to have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will appear on your license for the next five years. You will be asked to sign a new license process form. The staff will collect the $27.50 fee, which you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent card for driving purposes. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot straightforward replace it. Instead, you must renew it, which requires passing the written test and the road test again. Bring the same documents (proof of identity and residency), but plan for a longer visit and additional fees. The written test costs $5 and the road test costs $20, on top of the $27.50 license fee.
You can study for the written test using the Tennessee Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Driver Services website. The handbook covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before taking the test. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
The road test is conducted by a Driver Services examiner and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.
Protecting Yourself After Losing Your License
A lost driver's license can be used to commit identity fraud or to obtain credit in your name. While the risk is lower than with a Social Security card or passport, it is still real. If your license was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two automatically. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If you believe someone has already used your license to commit fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and keep a copy for your records.
Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can request a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you spot fraud, dispute it with the bureau and the creditor when ready.
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 replace a lost license by mail, online, or through any third-party service. You must bring proof of identity and proof of residency and pay the fee in person.
How long does it take to get my permanent license after my visit?
Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes the address on file is correct and mail delivery is normal. If you move before your card arrives, contact Driver Services to update your address so the card is sent to the right place.
What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?
You must return to Tennessee to replace it in person. If you are stranded, your temporary paper license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is sufficient for most purposes. If you need a replacement before you can return, contact a Driver Services office by phone to discuss your options, though they cannot issue a replacement without an in-person visit.
Do I have to retake the written and road tests?
No, unless your license expired more than one year ago. If your license is still valid, you only need to pay the replacement fee, provide proof of identity and residency, and have a new photo taken. The written and road tests are waived for replacements of valid licenses.
What if the address on my license is wrong?
Tell the staff at the Driver Services office before you pay. They can update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you do not correct it during the visit, you can update your address later online or at another Driver Services office.