Where to go and what to bring

To replace a Tennessee driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services Center in person. Tennessee does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online — you must appear with your documents and have a new photo taken.

The Driver Services Centers are run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the location nearest you on their website at tn.gov/safety. Most cities have at least one center; larger areas have several. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some centers now offer optional appointment scheduling to reduce wait times.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. Bring one document proving your current Tennessee address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Driver Services Center in person; Tennessee does not process replacements by mail or online.
  • Bring your current license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $17 if you are over 65.
  • A replacement license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the center.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the center staff when you arrive so they can flag it in the system.

Why you might need a replacement

A replacement license is different from a renewal. You get a replacement when your current license is lost, stolen, damaged, or when you need to correct information on it — such as a name change after marriage or a legal name change. You also get a replacement if your license was suspended or revoked and has now been reinstated.

If your license has straightforward expired and you have not changed your address or name, you would renew it instead of replacing it. The process is similar but the reasons are different, and some steps may vary depending on which situation applies to you.

The cost and what happens after you pay

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $27. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $17. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center when you submit your documents. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, though you should call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific center.

After you pay and have your photo taken, the center will give you a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your receipt serves as a temporary proof of identity if you need to drive — though it is not a legal substitute for a license, so keep it with you.

If your license was lost or stolen

Tell the staff at the Driver Services Center that your license was lost or stolen when you arrive. They will place a flag in the system so that if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently, it will be caught. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records if the loss was part of a larger theft.

The replacement process is the same — you bring your documents, pay the fee, and receive a new license by mail. The only difference is the internal flag that protects you from someone else using your old license information.

Correcting information on your license

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to bring proof of the change along with your other documents. For a name change through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order.

If you need to correct your address, date of birth, or other information that was printed incorrectly on your current license, bring documentation that shows the correct information. The staff will review it and issue a replacement with the corrected details. There is no additional fee for corrections beyond the standard replacement cost.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Tennessee requires an in-person visit for all license replacements. If you are unable to travel to a Driver Services Center due to a disability or medical condition, you may be able to request a mobile unit visit or accommodation. Contact the Driver Services Center nearest you directly to discuss your situation — they can tell you what options may be available in your area.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can still use your current Tennessee license until it expires. When you return to Tennessee, you can then visit a center to replace it if needed. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow Tennessee residents to handle certain transactions through their own DMV, but this varies and you should call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my receipt as a driver's license while I wait for my replacement?

Your receipt is not a legal driver's license, so technically you should not drive with only the receipt. However, if you are stopped by police, having the receipt shows you have a pending replacement. Keep it with you along with your old license if you still have it, or bring both the receipt and another form of ID.

What if I moved to Tennessee from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you do not need a replacement — you can renew it when it expires. However, if you want a Tennessee license, you can exchange your out-of-state license for one. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency to any Driver Services Center.

How long does it take to get a replacement if I go in person?

The in-person visit at the Driver Services Center takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. After you leave, the license itself arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, use your receipt as temporary proof that you have applied.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license while the suspension or revocation is active. You must first resolve the issue — pay outstanding fines, complete required courses, or meet other conditions — and have the suspension or revocation lifted. Once it is lifted, you can then visit a Driver Services Center to replace your license.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have other proof of my number?

You will need one of the documents that shows your Social Security number: a W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or statement before you visit the Driver Services Center.