Tennessee replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, either in person at a local Driver Services office or by mail

Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security handles all driver's license replacements. You have two paths: visit a Driver Services office in person (fastest, usually same-day or within days) or request a replacement by mail (takes two to three weeks). Both routes cost the same fee and produce the same license. The choice depends on how quickly you need the document and whether you can reach an office during business hours.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost or damaged license. Tennessee treats this as a duplicate issuance, not a new license process. Your driving record and license class stay the same.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Driver Services office takes one to five business days and costs $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • Mail replacement takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your process, payment, and proof of identity to the Nashville office; you cannot use a damaged license as proof of identity by mail.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or other approved identity document to prove who you are, whether you go in person or explore by mail.
  • Tennessee offers a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office that you can use when ready while waiting for your permanent card to arrive.
  • If your license was damaged in a natural disaster, Tennessee may waive the replacement fee; contact your local Driver Services office to ask.

In-Person Replacement at a Driver Services Office

Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office with your proof of identity, complete the process, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to five business days. This is the fastest route and the one most people choose because you walk out with something you can use when ready.

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid foreign passport. A damaged license cannot serve as your proof of identity. If you do not have one of these documents, you will need to obtain it before you can replace your license.

The fee is $27.50 for a standard driver's license or $32.50 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025). You pay by cash, check, or card at the office. The temporary paper license is free and valid for 45 days.

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Offices are located in most counties. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offering Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours or to ask about wait times.

Mail Replacement Through the Nashville Office

If you cannot reach a Driver Services office, you can request a replacement by mail. Send a completed process form (DL 44), a check or money order for the fee, and a copy of your proof of identity to the Nashville Driver Services office. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet.

You cannot use your damaged or lost license as proof of identity by mail. You must include a copy of an original document: birth certificate, passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Make a photocopy or scan and print it. Do not send the original document itself.

Request the process form (DL 44) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website, or call a local Driver Services office and ask them to mail it to you. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail everything together to the Nashville office address listed on the form. Include a return address so they can send your new license to you.

You will not receive a temporary paper license by mail. Your only valid license during the two- to three-week wait is your old one, if you still have it. If your old license was lost or destroyed, you have no valid license until the replacement arrives. This is one reason the in-person route is more practical for most people.

What to Do If Your License Was Damaged in a Natural Disaster

Tennessee may waive the replacement fee if your license was damaged or destroyed during a declared natural disaster. Contact your local Driver Services office and explain the situation. Bring whatever proof you have—a police report, insurance documentation, or photos of damage to your home or vehicle. The office will determine whether the waiver applies.

Even with a fee waiver, you still need to bring proof of identity and complete the process. The waiver only covers the $27.50 or $32.50 cost. Processing time remains the same whether you pay the fee or not.

Replacing a License That Expired While Lost

If your license expired while it was lost or missing, Tennessee treats the replacement as a renewal, not a duplicate. You will need to pass the vision test at the Driver Services office and may need to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than a year. Bring your proof of identity and be prepared to pay the renewal fee instead of the replacement fee.

Renewal fees vary depending on your age and the license class. Contact your local Driver Services office for the exact amount. If you are unsure whether your license expired, check the expiration date on your old license if you still have it, or call the office and provide your driver's license number.

Replacing a License Suspended or Revoked for Traffic Violations

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or the Department of Safety. This might mean paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your lost or damaged license through the normal process. Call your local Driver Services office or the Department of Safety to confirm your driving record is clear before you explore. Attempting to replace a suspended or revoked license will be denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized as a legal driver's license. It is not valid for federal building access or domestic air travel, but it is valid for driving. Keep it in your vehicle at all times while waiting for your permanent card.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Nashville Driver Services office with your new address before your license ships. Provide your driver's license number and the new address. If your license has already shipped, it will arrive at your old address. You can pick it up from the new resident, request the post office forward it, or contact the office to reissue it to your new address (which may add processing time).

Do I need a REAL ID license or can I stick with a standard license?

A standard license is still valid for driving and most everyday purposes. REAL ID is required only for federal building access (like entering a federal courthouse) and domestic air travel. If you fly domestically or need federal building access, choose REAL ID. Otherwise, standard is sufficient. The difference is $5 and the REAL ID requires one additional proof document (like a utility bill showing your address).

How do I know if my license was lost or if it was stolen?

If someone else might have it, report it to the police and get a report number. Bring the report number to the Driver Services office when you explore for a replacement. This protects you if the lost license is used fraudulently. If you straightforward cannot find it, you can still replace it without a police report, but reporting it is a good precaution.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the Driver Services office. Your permanent license arrives by mail at the address you provide on the process. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.