Where to go and what to bring
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) handles driver's license replacement. You can replace a lost or damaged license in person at any Driver Services office across the state, or by mail if your license is still valid and you only need a duplicate.
For in-person replacement, you will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate). If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card itself. Most offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
For mail replacement, you must complete Form DL-44 (process for Duplicate Driver's License), include a check or money order for the replacement fee (currently $27.50 for a standard license), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days after TDSHHS receives your packet.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Driver Services office requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency dated within 60 days.
- Mail replacement is available only if your license is still valid and you are requesting a duplicate, not a replacement due to loss or damage.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, payable by check or money order if you mail your request.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services office and current wait times on the TDSHHS website or by calling 615-251-8590.
- Bring the damaged license itself if you are replacing one that is worn, torn, or unreadable.
What counts as proof of residency
TDSHHS accepts a narrow list of documents to prove you live in Tennessee. The document must show your current name and address, be dated within 60 days of your visit, and be an original or certified copy—not a photocopy.
Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check. A pay stub with your address also works if it is dated within 60 days. A cell phone bill alone is not accepted. If you do not have any of these, you may bring two documents that together prove residency—for example, a lease plus a bank statement—even if one is older than 60 days.
Proof of identity options
You must bring one document that proves who you are. A valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a military ID, a birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate all work. If your birth certificate is not certified, TDSHHS will not accept it.
If you do not have a passport or military ID, a birth certificate is the most straightforward option. You can order a certified copy from the Tennessee Vital Records office (if you were born in Tennessee) or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. That process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. If you need your license urgently and do not have a birth certificate, call your local Driver Services office to ask whether they can work with alternative documents in your situation.
In-person vs. mail: which route is faster
In-person replacement is faster if you have all required documents. Most Driver Services offices issue a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license when ready.
Mail replacement takes longer overall—typically 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time both ways—but requires no office visit. However, mail replacement is only available if your license is still valid (not expired) and you are requesting a duplicate. If your license is expired or you lost it, you must go in person.
Wait times at Driver Services offices vary widely. Some offices in rural areas have minimal waits, while offices in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). The TDSHHS website shows current wait times for each office location.
Fees and payment methods
A standard replacement license costs $27.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel), the fee is $32.50. Payment at an office location can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you mail your request, you must include a check or money order—TDSHHS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.
There are no additional fees for the temporary license issued at the office. If you need your license replaced more than once in a short period due to loss or damage, TDSHHS may charge a higher fee or ask questions about the pattern, but a single replacement carries only the standard fee.
What happens after you submit your request
If you replace your license in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your permanent license arrives, you can update your address online through the TDSHHS website or at your next office visit.
If you mail your request, TDSHHS will process it and mail your new license to the address you provided. There is no temporary license issued for mail replacements. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to use another form of ID or make an in-person visit to get a temporary license.
If your license does not arrive within 14 business days of your office visit or 14 business days after TDSHHS receives your mail request, contact the Driver Services office where you applied or call 615-251-8590 to check the status.
Replacing a license if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means), you must bring proof of the name change along with your standard identity and residency documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers—all certified copies.
Bring the original or certified copy; TDSHHS will not accept photocopies. If you are replacing a lost license and do not have the original documents, you can order certified copies from the court or vital records office that issued them. This adds time to the process, so plan ahead if your name change is recent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Tennessee does not offer online license replacement. You must either visit a Driver Services office in person or mail your request with Form DL-44. The TDSHHS website allows you to check office locations and current wait times, but not to complete the replacement itself.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it through Tennessee by mail or by visiting any Driver Services office when you return to the state. If you need to drive before then, contact your local police department to report the loss and ask about a temporary travel permit, though availability varies by state.
Do I need an appointment?
Most Driver Services offices do not require appointments for license replacement. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in high-traffic areas may offer appointment scheduling during peak times. Check the TDSHHS website for your specific office location to see whether appointments are available.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same period as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date unless you renew your license separately.
What if my address on file is wrong?
Bring a proof of residency document showing your correct address when you replace your license. The Driver Services office will update your address during the replacement process at no additional cost. If you are replacing by mail, include a note with your correct address and a proof of residency document.