What You Need to Do to Replace a Lost License in Tennessee

To replace a lost driver's license in Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Tennessee does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot use a lost license as proof of identity to get a replacement license, so you must bring a different form of ID. The state accepts a passport, military ID, state ID card, or certified birth certificate paired with a second document showing your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Tennessee Driver Services office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license and $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of replacement.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Tennessee does not process lost license replacements by mail or online, and you cannot use an expired license as your primary ID for the replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Office

Bring one primary form of ID and one proof of current address. Your primary ID must be a document issued by a government agency and must show your full legal name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, military ID card, state ID card, or certified birth certificate all work. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a second document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your lost license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring the document that proves the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your previous name.

You do not need to bring the police report of the lost license, though having one does not hurt. Tennessee does not require it for the replacement process.

Where to Go and How to Find Your Nearest Office

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. The main office is located in Nashville at 1150 Foster Avenue, but you can visit any county office closest to you. Find the full list of office locations and hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website under "Driver Services Locations."

Most county offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have different hours or limited weekend service. Call ahead or check the website for your specific county's schedule before you go. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices tend to be busier on Mondays and mid-morning.

The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods

The fee to replace a lost standard driver's license is $27.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $32.50. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You can upgrade to REAL ID at the time of replacement if you bring the required documents.

Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. You pay at the counter when you submit your documents. There is no fee to issue the temporary paper license.

What Happens After You Pay: Temporary License and Permanent Card Timeline

After you pay the fee and have your photo taken, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as a permanent license—you can drive with it, use it as ID, and carry it in your wallet. Write down the temporary license number in case you need to reference it.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your temporary license number. Do not discard the temporary license until the permanent card arrives.

If Your License Was Stolen or You Suspect Fraud

If your license was stolen rather than lost, or if you suspect someone may be using your license number fraudulently, tell the Driver Services staff when you explore for the replacement. They will flag your file and issue you a new license number. You do not need a police report to do this, though filing one is a separate step you can take if you choose.

If you believe your identity has been used fraudulently, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a separate process from the license replacement and takes about 15 minutes to set up by phone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring only an expired license as your form of ID. An expired Tennessee license alone will not work because you cannot use the lost document to prove your identity. You must bring a passport, military ID, state ID, or birth certificate paired with proof of address.

Do not assume you can renew your license at the same time you replace it. If your license was not yet expired when you lost it, you cannot renew it early. You can only renew a license within 12 months of its expiration date. If your lost license had already expired, you will need to renew it separately after you replace it, which requires a vision test and costs an additional $27.50.

Do not wait to replace your license if you need it for travel or work. The 7 to 10 business day mailing time does not account for weekends or holidays, so plan accordingly. If you need the permanent card faster, ask the Driver Services office if expedited mail is available in your area, though this typically costs extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. You must have your photo taken and present your ID documents to staff. There is no mail-in or online option for lost license replacements.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must still go to a Tennessee Driver Services office to replace it. If you are currently out of state and cannot return to Tennessee when ready, you can request a temporary driving permit by mail, though this is a separate process. Contact the Driver Services office for details on temporary permits.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No. Tennessee does not require a police report to replace a lost license. However, if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud, filing a police report is recommended for your own records and may help if identity theft occurs later.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It has the same legal standing as a permanent license and can be used for driving and identification. Keep it until your permanent card arrives.

What if my name changed and I don't have the document to prove it?

You cannot change your name on your license without proof of the change. If you lost the marriage certificate or divorce decree, you can obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was recorded. This typically takes a few days and costs $10 to $25 depending on the county.