Getting a replacement Tennessee driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license by visiting a Driver Services Center in person with your identification and payment. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The state charges a replacement fee of $27.50 for a standard driver's license. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it's not required to get a replacement — but having a report number can help if someone uses your old license number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid ID and payment; Tennessee does not process replacements remotely.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most locations.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license at the counter and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to the Driver Services Center to flag your old license as compromised.

What to bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring one form of valid identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, or a certified birth certificate paired with a Social Security card. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents — the Driver Services Center website lists what combinations work.

You'll also need to bring payment for the $27.50 replacement fee. Most Driver Services Centers accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead to confirm your location takes the payment method you plan to use.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number. This tells Tennessee that your old license should be flagged in the system, which protects you if someone tries to use it.

Finding and visiting a Driver Services Center

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you by visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 615-251-8590. Hours vary by location, so check before you go — some centers have limited evening or weekend hours, while others are open only during business hours.

Walk-ins are accepted at all centers, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If your location offers online appointment scheduling, booking a time slot will reduce your wait. Not all centers have this option yet, so check the locator tool to see if yours does.

What happens after you submit your replacement request

You'll receive a temporary paper license at the counter that's valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 45 days while your permanent plastic license is being printed and mailed.

Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will come from the address on file with your driver's license record. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address with Tennessee, update it before you visit the Driver Services Center so your new license goes to the correct address.

If your plastic license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing.

Updating your address at the same time

If you've moved since your current license was issued, you can update your address during the same visit when you request your replacement. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change. You'll need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.

There is no additional fee for an address change when you're already paying for a replacement. Your new license will reflect both the replacement and the address update.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Before you visit a Driver Services Center, contact them at 615-251-8590 to check the status of your license. They can tell you whether your license is currently valid and what steps you need to take if it's suspended.

If your license is suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you'll need to resolve those issues first. If it's suspended for medical reasons or a failed vision test, you may need to complete additional requirements — the Driver Services Center can explain what applies to your situation.

Replacing a commercial driver's license or endorsement

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have endorsements like hazmat or passenger, the replacement process is the same — visit a Driver Services Center with your ID and payment. The $27.50 fee covers CDL replacements as well.

However, if your CDL was suspended or revoked, or if you need to renew rather than replace it, different rules explore. Call 615-251-8590 to confirm whether you need a replacement or a renewal, because the two processes have different requirements and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I'm not a Tennessee resident?

No. You must be a Tennessee resident to hold a Tennessee driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Tennessee resident, you can request a replacement by mail through a limited process — call 615-251-8590 to ask whether you may have access to.

What if I lost my license but don't know where or when?

You don't need to know the details. straightforward visit a Driver Services Center with your ID and payment, and tell the staff member your license is lost. They'll issue a replacement without requiring a police report or explanation. If you're concerned about fraud, you can file a police report separately and bring the report number to the center.

How much does a replacement cost if my license is damaged?

The replacement fee is $27.50 whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. Bring the damaged license with you if you have it — the staff member will take it and destroy it, but you still pay the standard replacement fee.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must visit the Driver Services Center yourself to request the replacement. However, once your plastic license arrives by mail, anyone can open and use it since it will be addressed to you at your home.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic license arrives?

Contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. They can issue you another temporary license if your plastic card hasn't arrived yet. This is uncommon — most plastic licenses arrive well before the 45-day temporary license expires — but the center can help if there's a delay.