What you need to do to replace a Tennessee driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Tennessee does not allow online or mail replacements for standard licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs $27.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A stolen license can be used for identity theft, so documenting the theft protects you if someone uses your information.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Tennessee Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $27.50, and you get a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives by mail.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and alert the credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
- Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, as you will need it to verify your identity at the office.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your old one unless you request a renewal.
Documents to bring to a Driver Services office
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID) and one document proving your current address. Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport to verify citizenship.
Finding and visiting a Driver Services office
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at tn.gov/safety. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities, so check whether you need to book a time slot before you go.
Walk-ins are accepted at some locations during certain hours, but appointment availability varies by season and location. Booking ahead saves you a trip if the office is full. You can book an appointment through the same website or by calling the office directly.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
Once you hand over your documents and pay the $27.50 fee, the clerk will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same driving privileges as your plastic license and can be used for traffic stops, employment, and age verification. Keep it with you at all times while you wait for your permanent card.
Your plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though delays can occur during high-volume periods or bad weather. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your case number (printed on your temporary license).
Replacing a damaged license instead of a lost one
If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring the damaged card with you to the Driver Services office. The clerk will keep the old card and issue a replacement. The process and cost are the same as replacing a lost or stolen license — $27.50 and a temporary paper license on the spot.
Damage that qualifies for replacement includes a cracked or broken card, faded or illegible information, or a card that no longer scans properly. Minor wear does not usually may have access to, so the clerk will tell you whether your card meets the damage threshold when you arrive.
If your license was stolen and you need it urgently
Tennessee does not offer expedited replacement for stolen licenses. The standard 7 to 10 day timeline applies to everyone. However, your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for all the same purposes as your plastic license — driving, employment, and identification. You can legally drive and work using only the temporary license during this period.
If you need to travel by air before your permanent license arrives, bring your temporary license and a second form of ID (such as a passport) to the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept this combination. If you are concerned about identity theft from the theft itself, contact the police non-emergency line to file a report; this creates a record in case someone uses your information later.
Renewing instead of replacing if your license is expiring soon
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and it is also expiring within the next 60 days, you may want to renew it instead of replacing it. A renewal costs $27.50 (the same as a replacement) but gives you a new expiration date. You still must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring the same documents.
The advantage of renewing is that you get a fresh card with a new expiration date, so you will not need to renew again for another 8 years (the standard renewal period in Tennessee). If your license is not expiring soon, a straight replacement is simpler because your new card will keep the same expiration date as your old one.
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 with photo ID and proof of address. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for standard driver's licenses.
What if I do not have a proof of address document?
You need at least one document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some offices will accept this in place of a standard document.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your old one. The number stays with you for life in Tennessee unless you request a new one during a renewal.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 45 days. It has the same driving privileges as your plastic license and works for traffic stops, employment, and identification. If your permanent card has not arrived by day 45, contact the Driver Services office when ready.
What should I do if someone finds my stolen license and tries to use it?
Once you report it stolen and receive a replacement, the old license is deactivated in the system. A police officer running the number will see that it has been reported stolen. File a police report with your local department and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to monitor for identity theft. Check your credit report regularly for unauthorized accounts.