What you need to do right now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report — not because it is required to get a replacement, but because identity theft can happen with a stolen license. Keep a copy of that report for your records.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Driver Services Center in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option in Tennessee.
- Bring a valid form of identification (passport, state ID, military ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID) and proof of your Social Security number.
- The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license and $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- You will get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself from identity theft, though it is not required for the replacement itself.
Finding a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state, run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the location nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours.
Call ahead or check online before you go — some centers have walk-in hours while others require an appointment. During busy times of year, wait times can be long, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means shorter lines.
Documents to bring with you
Bring one valid form of identification that shows your photo. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a foreign passport. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring your birth certificate along with a second form of ID without a photo, such as a Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement.
You will also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. If you cannot locate any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before your Driver Services Center visit, though this will delay your license replacement.
Bring your current license if you still have it, even if it is damaged. If it was stolen, you do not need it, but having it speeds up the process.
The replacement fee and what it covers
A standard Tennessee driver's license replacement costs $27. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead — which is required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting in May 2025 — the fee is $32. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center when you submit your documents.
The fee covers the replacement license only. It does not include any address changes, endorsement updates, or other modifications to your license. If you need to change your address or add a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement at the same time, those may involve separate fees or additional steps.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
When you finish at the Driver Services Center, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, identification, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you until your plastic license arrives.
Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address at the Driver Services Center, it will be mailed to your new address. If you did not update your address, it will go to your old one, so make sure to update it if needed before you leave the center.
If your license was stolen
Filing a police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it is a smart step to protect yourself. A stolen license can be used for identity theft or fraud, so reporting it creates an official record that can help you if someone uses it illegally.
You can file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Some departments allow online reporting for theft; others require you to call or visit in person. Ask for a copy of the report number or a written confirmation — keep this with your records in case you need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts later.
What to do if you cannot visit a Driver Services Center
Tennessee does not offer mail-in or online replacements, so an in-person visit is mandatory. If you are unable to travel to a center yourself, you can authorize someone else to pick up your replacement license on your behalf, but you must still visit the center in person to submit your documents and pay the fee.
If you are homebound or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting, contact your local Driver Services Center directly to ask about options. Some centers may be able to discuss accommodations, though Tennessee's standard policy requires an in-person process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different Driver Services Center than the one in my county?
Yes. You can visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee, regardless of which county you live in. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Update your address when you submit your replacement request at the Driver Services Center. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same period as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. If your name, date of birth, or license number is wrong, you can request a correction. If the card itself is damaged, you may be able to get a replacement without paying the full fee again, though this depends on the type of damage and when it occurred.
Do I need a REAL ID license, or can I stick with a standard license?
A standard license works for driving and most identification purposes. You only need REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 2025. If you are replacing your license now, you can choose either type — the REAL ID version costs $5 more but lasts just as long.