What you need to do to replace a lost Tennessee driver's license
To replace a lost Tennessee driver's license, you'll visit your local Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Tennessee will mail your replacement license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Tennessee requires you to appear in person. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit, though this is valid only in Tennessee and for a limited time.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Tennessee address.
- The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license, and you'll have your photo taken during the visit.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can request a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive while waiting for your replacement to arrive.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit for identity theft.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. A few locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the office locator before you go to confirm the hours for your specific location.
Documents you'll need to bring
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Tennessee address. For identity, Tennessee accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or a previous Tennessee driver's license or ID card. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes things like a Social Security card, school ID, or insurance card.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet in your new name, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you'll check in and wait for a clerk. Tell them you're replacing a lost license. They'll review your documents, confirm your address, and ask you to sign a form stating that your license was lost. You'll then have a new photo taken — wear something you're comfortable with, as you'll have this photo for the next several years.
The clerk will collect the $27 replacement fee. Tennessee accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices. You'll be given a receipt and told when to expect your new license. If you need a temporary paper license to drive while you wait, ask for one at this time — it's valid for 30 days and only within Tennessee.
Waiting for your replacement to arrive
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If more than two weeks pass and you haven't received it, contact the Driver Services office where you applied to check the status.
If you moved again after explore, you can request a replacement address change by phone or at another Driver Services office, though this may delay delivery. Keep your receipt from the day you applied — it shows you have a valid license in process if you're stopped by police before the new one arrives.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your information. You should also monitor your credit report for signs of identity theft — you can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
If you notice fraudulent accounts or charges, contact the credit bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission. Tennessee's Driver Services office does not investigate identity theft, but having a police report on file can help you dispute fraudulent charges with creditors and credit bureaus.
Temporary paper license and driving while you wait
A temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and only within Tennessee. It's not accepted in other states, so if you need to travel out of state before your replacement arrives, you'll need another form of ID. The paper license is also not valid for air travel or federal building access — only for driving.
If you don't request a temporary license at the office, you can return to any Driver Services office later and request one, though you'll need to bring your receipt from the original replacement visit. Once your new license arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I don't have proof of my current address?
You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you've just moved and don't have one yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement works. Contact your local Driver Services office if you're unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still need to visit a Tennessee Driver Services office in person. If you're out of state and won't be back soon, you can request a temporary paper license by mail in some cases — call your local office to ask about options. Otherwise, wait until you return to Tennessee to explore.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
The replacement fee is $27 for a standard driver's license. This is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Payment is due at the time you explore, and Tennessee accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Tennessee mails replacement licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot have it sent to a different address or picked up by another person. If you've moved, you'll need to update your address at a Driver Services office or request an address change before explore for the replacement.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged?
Contact the Driver Services office where you applied and explain the damage. They can issue a replacement at no additional charge if the damage occurred during mailing. Bring the damaged license with you if you return in person.