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

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license, you'll visit your local Driver Services office in person, bring specific documents, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Tennessee does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department first — though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person; you cannot replace your license by mail or online.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license or $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you explore if you have moved.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before you can receive a replacement.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Tennessee requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. You do not need to bring the original documents — copies are accepted — but the office staff will verify them against their records.

Proof of identity: Bring your Social Security card, or a document that displays your Social Security number (such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form). If you do not have your Social Security card, a document showing the number will work.

Proof of Tennessee residency: Bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Tennessee address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your address.

Proof of legal presence: Bring your U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a visa that shows you are lawfully present.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office and scheduling

Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea, especially if you are visiting during lunch or late afternoon. A few high-traffic offices in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville may ask you to schedule online or by phone to manage crowds — the website will tell you which ones.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and finding the office.

What happens at the Driver Services office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity, residency, and legal presence against their records and the Tennessee database. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Next, you will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for your original license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background will be plain.

After your photo, you will pay the replacement fee at the cashier. A standard driver's license costs $27. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $32. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card.

The office will give you a receipt showing your process was processed. Keep this receipt — it proves you applied in case anyone asks for your license before it arrives.

When your new license will arrive

Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you have moved since your last license, update your address at the Driver Services office before you leave, or your license will go to your old address.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Bring your receipt. The office can check the status of your license in the system and reissue it if there was a mailing error.

While you wait for your replacement, you can drive using your receipt as proof that you applied. Police will accept it as temporary proof of licensure. However, it is not valid for identification purposes at banks, airports, or other places that require a photo ID.

If your license was suspended or revoked

Before you can receive a replacement license, any suspension or revocation must be lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. You can check your license status on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or by calling your local Driver Services office.

If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or satisfy the child support obligation — and then request a reinstatement. The office will tell you what steps are required. Once your status is cleared, you can explore for your replacement license.

Replacing a REAL ID-compliant license

If your lost or damaged license was a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you can replace it with another REAL ID license for $32 instead of $27. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard replacement.

If your old license was not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to one now, you can do that at the same time. REAL ID licenses are required for federal buildings and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025, so upgrading now means you will not need to replace your license again in a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security card?

Yes. Bring any document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, 1099, or bank statement. The office does not require the card itself, only proof of the number.

What if I have moved and my address is not updated?

Update your address at the Driver Services office before you leave on the day you explore for your replacement. If you forget and your license is mailed to your old address, you can pick it up there or contact the office to have it reissued to your new address.

Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?

No, a police report is not required to replace a stolen license. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with your local police department or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for your records.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Tennessee does not issue temporary paper licenses. Your receipt from the Driver Services office serves as proof that you applied and can be used while driving, but it is not valid for identification at banks or airports.

How much does it cost to replace a damaged license?

The cost is the same as replacing a lost or stolen license: $27 for a standard license or $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license. Bring your damaged license to the office so staff can see the damage and process your replacement.