Tennessee replaces lost licenses at the Driver Services office in your county, by mail, or online for certain situations
If your Tennessee driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services division. The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to your county Driver Services office, where you can walk out with a replacement the same day. Tennessee also offers a mail-in option and limited online renewal for licenses that are not suspended or revoked.
The process depends on whether your license is still valid or has expired, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. Most replacements take 15 to 20 minutes in person, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at your county Driver Services office is the fastest option and produces a license you can use when ready.
- You will need a valid photo ID, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security number to replace a lost license.
- Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and costs the same as in-person replacement.
- Online replacement through the Tennessee Driver License Portal is available only if your license is valid and not suspended, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
- A replacement license costs $27 for a standard license or $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
In-person replacement at a Driver Services office
Visit the Driver Services office in your county with your documents. You can find your county office and current hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. You will fill out form DL-44, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Standard licenses cost $27; REAL ID-compliant licenses cost $32. You will receive your new license on the spot, printed and ready to use. If you want a REAL ID license, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport in addition to your other documents.
Wait times are shortest on weekday mornings, typically 15 to 30 minutes. Many offices close for lunch, so call ahead or check the website for your location's hours.
Mail-in replacement through the Tennessee Driver License Portal
You can request a replacement by mail through the Tennessee Driver License Portal at the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then select "Replace Lost/Stolen/Damaged License." You will need to upload a photo of your valid ID and proof of residency.
The portal accepts the same documents as in-person replacement: a valid photo ID and proof of Tennessee residency dated within 90 days. Upload clear images of both sides of your ID and your residency document. Pay the fee online using a debit or credit card.
Your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This option works well if you cannot visit an office during business hours, but you will not have a license to use until it arrives. If you need a license sooner, go in person.
Online renewal through the Tennessee Driver License Portal
If your license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew it online without visiting an office. Log into the Tennessee Driver License Portal, select "Renew License," and follow the steps. You will need to confirm your address, upload a new photo, and pay the fee online.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or if you need a REAL ID upgrade. You also cannot renew online if you have had a name change or address change that requires verification. In those cases, you must visit an office in person or use the mail-in option.
What documents you need for any replacement method
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Photo ID | Passport, military ID, another state's driver's license, or tribal ID | Must be current and not expired |
| Proof of Tennessee Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill | Must be dated within 90 days of your visit or submission |
| Birth Certificate or Passport | Original or certified copy | Required only if you want a REAL ID-compliant license |
| Social Security Number | Verbal confirmation or on your process | Required for all replacements |
Proof of residency must be in your name and dated within 90 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a bank statement or insurance bill works. Do not bring originals of your birth certificate or passport unless you are going in person; for mail-in or online, upload clear photos of both sides.
REAL ID compliance and what it means for your replacement
A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. If your current license does not have this star and you want one, you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport when you replace it. The cost is $32 instead of $27.
You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when you replace a lost license, but many people do at the same time since they are already at the office. A standard license remains valid for driving in Tennessee and for most everyday purposes. REAL ID is required only for federal facilities, military bases, and domestic air travel starting in 2025.
What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If your license was stolen and you suspect it may be used fraudulently, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Services division to report it. You can call 615-251-8590 or visit an office in person. Report the theft before you request a replacement so the old license can be flagged in the system.
If someone has used your license fraudulently, file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department. Keep a copy of the report for your records. When you replace your license, bring the report with you; it will help the Driver Services office understand why you are replacing it early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
If you replaced your license in person, you can drive when ready with your new license. If you used mail-in replacement, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, visit an office in person instead.
What if I do not have proof of Tennessee residency?
You must have proof of residency dated within 90 days to replace your license. If you recently moved to Tennessee and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord, bank, or insurance company for a statement in your name. A letter from your employer or school on official letterhead with your address may also work; call your county Driver Services office to confirm before you visit.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $27. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $32. These fees are the same whether you replace in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by location; in-person offices accept cash and card, while online and mail-in options accept debit or credit card only.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Driver Services office or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to restore your driving privileges. Once your license status is cleared, you can replace it.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must replace your license in person if your name has changed. Bring your valid photo ID, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will verify the change before issuing your new license.