Get a replacement from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

When you lose your Tennessee driver's license, you replace it through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), which handles all driver licensing in the state. You have two main routes: visit a Driver Services office in person, or mail in your request. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot reach an office nearby.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. DSHS treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new license. The replacement will have the same license number and expiration date as your original, so your driving record stays attached to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of ID to get a replacement the same day.
  • If you cannot visit an office, mail Form DL-43 to DSHS with a copy of your ID and proof of residency; processing takes about two weeks.
  • A replacement license costs $27.50 and is valid until your original expiration date.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

What you need to bring to a Driver Services office

Bring three things: proof of your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency, and a form of ID. Your Social Security card itself works for the first item, or a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your SSN on it. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

For ID, bring your passport, military ID, or any other government-issued photo ID. If you have none of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list — a school ID, employee ID, insurance card, or certified birth certificate. The office staff will tell you on the spot if what you brought works.

Bring your checkbook or debit card; the fee is $27.50 and most offices take both. Some offices take cash, but call ahead to confirm. You will receive a temporary license printed on the spot, valid for 30 days while DSHS mails your permanent replacement.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. Go to the DSHS website, click "Locations," and enter your county or zip code to find the nearest office, hours, and whether it takes walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices in larger cities do take appointments; others operate first-come, first-served. Call ahead if you are unsure, because wait times vary widely.

If no office is within reasonable distance, the mail route may be faster overall. Rural counties sometimes have limited hours or longer waits, so mailing in can actually get you a replacement sooner.

Mailing in your replacement request

read Form DL-43 from the DSHS website or request it by phone at 615-251-8590. Fill in your name, date of birth, and current address. Include a photocopy of your ID (front and back) and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the DSHS Driver Services office in Nashville, though confirm the address on the form itself.

Include a check or money order for $27.50 made out to "State of Tennessee." Do not send cash. DSHS will mail your replacement license to the address you provide; processing takes about two weeks from the day they receive your envelope. Your temporary license is not mailed — you only get one if you visit in person.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the envelope receipt if you use certified mail. If your replacement does not arrive within three weeks, call DSHS to confirm they received your request.

What to do if your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you can report it to local police. This creates a record in case the person uses it fraudulently, though it is not required to get a replacement. The police report does not speed up the replacement process, but it protects you if the license is used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

When you explore for your replacement, mention to the DSHS office or note on Form DL-43 that the license was stolen. DSHS may flag your file, which can help if someone later tries to use the old license. You still follow the same replacement steps — the theft report is separate.

Your temporary license and what it covers

The temporary license DSHS prints in the office is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for any legal purpose. It is not a restricted license; you have no special limitations. Keep it with you while you wait for the permanent replacement to arrive in the mail.

If your permanent replacement arrives before the 30 days are up, start using it when ready and discard the temporary. If you lose the temporary before the permanent arrives, go back to a Driver Services office and request another temporary; they will print one on the spot for the same $27.50 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

DSHS typically mails replacements within two weeks of receiving your Form DL-43. Delivery time depends on your address and the mail service, so allow three to four weeks total from the day you mail the form. If you have not received it after four weeks, call DSHS at 615-251-8590 to confirm they processed your request.

Can I drive with the temporary license if I move before the permanent one arrives?

Yes, the temporary is valid at your current address. If you move, update your address with DSHS before the permanent license arrives, or it will be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online through the DSHS website, by mail, or at any Driver Services office.

What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?

Destroy the original by cutting it up or turning it in to any Driver Services office. Do not try to use both — your replacement is now your valid license. If you turn in the original, ask for a receipt so you have proof you surrendered it.

Do I have to replace my license if I lost it out of state?

Yes, you still replace it through Tennessee DSHS because it is a Tennessee license. You can mail in Form DL-43 from anywhere, or visit a Driver Services office if you return to Tennessee. The process is the same regardless of where you lost it.