You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license through tn.gov or at a Driver Services office

Tennessee offers two main routes to replace your driver's license: online through the tn.gov portal if your license was lost or damaged, or in person at any Driver Services office. The online method is faster and costs less, but it works only if your license is still valid and you haven't had it suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need to update information, you must go in person.

The in-person route takes longer but handles more situations — including expired licenses, address changes, and cases where your license was suspended. Both routes require you to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through tn.gov works only for valid licenses that were lost or damaged, and costs $7 for a standard license or $27 for a REAL ID.
  • In-person replacement at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address or name.
  • You will need a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to replace your license either way.
  • Online replacements typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days; in-person replacements may issue a temporary license on the spot.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or local police, though this is not required to order a replacement.

Online replacement through tn.gov: what you need and how it works

To replace your license online, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver's license replacement option. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that your license is still valid.

Online replacement costs $7 for a standard driver's license or $27 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport). You can pay by credit or debit card. After you submit your order, your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

This method does not work if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. It also does not work if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license. In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.

In-person replacement at a Driver Services office

Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from a government agency that shows your number.

Bring your current license if you still have it, even if it is damaged. If your license was stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement, though you can file one if you wish. Tell the Driver Services employee that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

The replacement fee is $7 for a standard license or $27 for a REAL ID. You can pay in cash, check, or card at most offices. The office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

When you must go in person instead of ordering online

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. Tennessee driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. If yours has passed that date, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it — and renewal requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo.

You also must go in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical condition, the Driver Services office will tell you what you need to do before a new license can be issued.

If you are not sure whether your license is still valid, call the Driver Services customer service line at 615-251-5000 or check your license expiration date — it is printed on the front in the bottom right corner.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the tn.gov website by entering your county or zip code. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning or mid-week. Some offices allow you to check the current wait time online before you go.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department. This creates a record that can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it is not required in order to get a replacement — you can order a replacement online or visit a Driver Services office without a police report.

If you are concerned that your identity has been compromised, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your driver's license but can help protect you from identity theft.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A standard Tennessee driver's license costs $7 to replace. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $27 but allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. If you travel by air within the United States, a REAL ID is useful. If you rarely fly or always carry a passport, a standard license is sufficient.

You can upgrade from a standard license to a REAL ID later, so there is no rush to choose now. When you replace your license, you can decide based on your travel plans. Both types are mailed to you and take the same amount of time to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement online if my license is suspended?

No. Online replacement works only for valid licenses. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office will tell you what you need to do to have the suspension lifted before a new license can be issued.

How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?

Both online and in-person replacements typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one. If you order online, you will not have a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive right away.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

If you are ordering online, you will need your license number. If you do not have it, go in person to a Driver Services office instead. Bring a valid form of ID and proof of your Social Security number, and the office will look up your information and issue a replacement.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. You can replace a stolen license without filing a police report. However, filing a report creates a record that may help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. It is your choice whether to report it.

Can I change my address when I replace my license?

If you order online, you cannot change your address — the new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. If you need to change your address, go in person to a Driver Services office and update it at the same time you replace your license.