What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and proof of Tennessee 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, you should also report it to the Tennessee Highway Patrol or your local police department before going to Driver Services. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report number with you to your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office with valid proof of identity and proof of residency; no online or mail replacements are available.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to Driver Services to protect yourself against fraud.
- The replacement fee is $27.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate; acceptable residency proofs include a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the Tennessee Driver Services website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Documents You Must Bring to Driver Services
Tennessee requires two categories of documents: one for identity and one for residency. You cannot replace your license without both.
For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy), a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the U.S., or a valid passport from another country plus an I-94 or I-797 form. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.
For proof of Tennessee 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 bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof.
Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card as well. If you do not have your card, you can provide your number verbally, but having the card speeds up the process.
Finding a Driver Services Office and Making an Appointment
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices across the state, but not every county has one. Use the office locator on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find the nearest location to you. Search by county or city, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation.
You can schedule an appointment online through the same website. Appointments are free and reduce your wait time significantly. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, offices accept walk-ins during regular business hours, but you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on weekdays are typically less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays.
Some Driver Services offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Check the office's specific schedule before you go. If the nearest office has a long wait or limited hours, you may be able to visit a different county's office instead.
What Happens at Your Appointment
When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready to wait even with an appointment. Staff will verify your identity and residency documents, take a new photo, and collect the $27.50 replacement fee. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card; most offices do not accept credit cards.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent license for driving purposes. Use it to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide at Driver Services. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your case number (printed on your temporary license).
If Your License Was Stolen
Report the theft to your local police department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol before you go to Driver Services. You do not need to wait for the police to complete an investigation; you just need a report number. The police will give you a case number or report number when ready after you file the report, either in person or by phone.
Bring the police report number with you to Driver Services. This alerts the state that your license was stolen and creates a record if someone tries to use your license number. Some identity theft protection services recommend also placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), though this is separate from the police report and Driver Services process.
Fees and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a standard Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. This is the only fee you will pay; there are no additional charges for the temporary license or for mailing your permanent license.
Driver Services offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted at most locations, so bring cash or a debit card if possible. If you pay by check, make it payable to "Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security."
If you are replacing a license that expired more than one year ago, you may be charged a late renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee. Check with your local Driver Services office about your specific situation if your license has been expired for a long time.
Timeline and What to Expect
The entire process from appointment to receiving your permanent license takes about two weeks. On the day of your visit, you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite the mail delivery through Driver Services, but you can request a replacement at any Driver Services office if the temporary license is lost or damaged.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Have your case number (from your temporary license) ready. The office can check the status of your order and reissue a license if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different county's Driver Services office than where I live?
Yes. You can visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee, regardless of which county you live in. You still need to bring proof of your current Tennessee residency, but the office will process your replacement and mail your new license to your address on file.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
If you do not have an acceptable identity document, you will need to obtain one before Driver Services can replace your license. A certified birth certificate can be ordered from the Tennessee Department of Health's Vital Records office. A U.S. passport can be obtained through the U.S. State Department. This process takes additional time, so plan ahead.
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
No. Tennessee does not issue permanent licenses on the same day. You receive a temporary paper license when ready, which is valid for driving, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is legal for all driving purposes during this time.
What if my address has changed since my lost license was issued?
Provide your current address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will show your current address. You still need to bring proof of residency at your current address dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to take a new photo or written test to replace a lost license?
You will have a new photo taken, but you do not need to pass a written test or driving test. A replacement for a lost or stolen license is not the same as renewing an expired license or obtaining a license for the first time.