How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Tennessee

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

If you have lost your Tennessee driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). You cannot order a replacement online or by mail — you must appear in person with proof of identity and residency. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost is $27.50 for a replacement license. This fee is the same whether your license expired recently or is still valid. If your license is also expired, you will pay an additional renewal fee on top of the replacement fee, so it is worth checking your expiration date before you go.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid ID and proof of Tennessee residency to get a replacement license.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because TDOSHS will verify it during the replacement process.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee is $27.50, and you can find your nearest Driver Services Center location on the TDOSHS website.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification — a valid passport, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring your birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy. A hospital birth certificate will not work.

You also need proof of Tennessee residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. A piece of mail with your name and address will work as long as it is from a government agency, bank, insurance company, or utility provider. A credit card statement or personal letter will not be accepted.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and do not have a document showing it, call the Driver Services Center ahead of time to ask what they can accept in your situation.

Finding a Driver Services Center near you

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the TDOSHS website and use their location finder tool. You can search by county or city, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each center.

Some centers are busier than others. If you go to a center in a small town or rural area, you may wait only 10 to 15 minutes. Centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga often have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon after 3 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.

A few Driver Services Centers offer online appointment scheduling through the TDOSHS website. If your local center offers this, you can reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check the website for your center to see if appointments are available.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked when you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with TDOSHS. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. You will need to contact TDOSHS directly or visit a Driver Services Center to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you must take to clear it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then pay the replacement fee and get a new license. The process is the same as a standard replacement, but you cannot move forward until the suspension is resolved. Do not wait to check on this — driving on a suspended license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in criminal charges.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

When you complete your replacement at the Driver Services Center, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving, identification, and age verification just like your permanent card. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose the temporary license before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the Driver Services Center and pay another $27.50 for a second replacement.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact TDOSHS to check the status. Occasionally mail is delayed, but TDOSHS can track your card and reissue it if it was lost in transit.

If you need your license before the 7 to 10 day window

Tennessee does not offer expedited mail delivery for replacement licenses. However, you can request that your replacement card be held at a Driver Services Center for pickup instead of mailed to your home. This can sometimes speed up the process by a few days, though it is not may provide. Ask the staff member at the counter whether this option is available at your location.

If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, your temporary paper license is valid for that purpose. You can use it to rent a car, pass a traffic stop, or show as identification. The only limitation is that some businesses may not accept a paper license as proof of identity for purposes other than driving — for example, a bank might require a plastic card to open an account — but for driving itself, the temporary license is fully legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to contact a Driver Services Center directly to discuss your situation. TDOSHS requires a Social Security number or a document showing it for most replacements, but they may have alternative procedures if you do not have one. Call ahead rather than showing up without it.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Driver Services Center in Tennessee to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Tennessee, or you can ask a family member to visit on your behalf if they can bring your documents and sign a power of attorney form. Call TDOSHS to confirm what paperwork is needed for someone else to explore on your behalf.

Do I have to replace my license if I found it?

No. If you find your lost license, you do not need to do anything. You can straightforward keep using it. However, if it was damaged or you are concerned it was compromised, you may want to replace it for your own peace of mind.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Bring proof of your new address to the Driver Services Center. Your replacement license will be printed with your current address. You do not need to pay an extra fee for an address change when you are already paying for a replacement.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license when I replace my lost license?

Yes. When you visit the Driver Services Center, ask for a Real ID compliant license. You will need to bring the same documents, but you may also need to bring additional proof of citizenship or legal residency depending on your situation. Ask the center what documents are required for Real ID before you go.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.