Where to go and what you need

To get a replacement driver's license in Tennessee, you visit a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You cannot order one by mail or online — you must appear in person with specific documents. The office will take a new photo, verify your identity, and issue you a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is printed and mailed to you.

You need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your legal name (birth certificate, marriage license, or court order if your name has changed), and proof of your Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed things up. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it.

The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license. If you need it faster than the standard mail time, Tennessee offers a rush service for an additional fee, though you still cannot pick it up in person — it will be mailed to your address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person; there is no online or mail-in option for replacements.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of legal name, and proof of Tennessee residency dated within 60 days.
  • You will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks under standard processing.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50, with an optional rush fee if you need it faster.
  • If your license was stolen, a police report helps but is not required to get a replacement.

Finding the Driver Services office nearest you

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the one closest to you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.

Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday hours. A few locations close for lunch, so check the specific office's schedule before you go. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

What happens when you arrive at the office

When you walk in, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. They will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license, and take a new photo. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent one — you can drive with it, and police will accept it as proof of licensure. Your permanent license will arrive by mail at the address on file, usually within one to two weeks.

If your address has changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, tell the staff member at the Driver Services office. They will update your address in the system, and your replacement license will be mailed to your new address. Make sure the address you give them is correct, because the license will go there and you cannot redirect it once it leaves the office.

If you are not sure what address is currently on file, ask the staff member to check before they process your replacement. This is especially important if you have moved recently or if mail has been slow to reach you.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward get a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or the agency that issued it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once that is resolved, you can return to a Driver Services office and request a replacement.

Call the Driver Services office or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out the status of your license before you go in person. They can tell you whether you are may be able to access for a replacement and what steps you need to take first.

Rush processing and mailing options

If you need your license faster than the standard one to two weeks, Tennessee offers rush processing for an additional fee. With rush service, your license is typically mailed within three to five business days instead of the standard timeframe. The rush fee varies, so ask at your local Driver Services office or check the state website for the current amount.

You cannot pick up your license in person at the office, even with rush processing. All replacement licenses are mailed to the address you provide. If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can request that it be sent to a different address — for example, your workplace or a trusted friend's house — as long as you tell the staff member before they process your replacement.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

If your temporary license is about to expire and your permanent license has not arrived, return to the Driver Services office with your temporary license. Staff can issue you another temporary license while they investigate what happened to your permanent one. Keep the receipt from your original replacement request — it has a tracking number that the office can use to locate your license.

If your license was lost in the mail, the office can reissue it. You will not pay the full replacement fee again; you will only pay a reissue fee, which is lower. Bring your temporary license and your original receipt to speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I am not a Tennessee resident?

No. A Tennessee driver's license is only for Tennessee residents. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Tennessee resident, you can mail in a renewal, but not a replacement.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or other proof of legal name?

You can use other documents that show your legal name, such as a passport, marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have any of these, contact the Driver Services office to ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices may require you to obtain a birth certificate from the state vital records office before they can issue a replacement.

Do I need my old license to get a replacement?

No, but if you still have it, bring it. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need it. If it was damaged, bring the damaged card so the office can see what happened and process your request faster.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the Driver Services office. If you are concerned about mail delivery, ask the staff member to mail it to a different address before they process your replacement.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with your new name. Your temporary license will also show your new name.