Get a replacement license at your local Driver Services office with your Social Security number and proof of residency
You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost Tennessee driver's license. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original, as long as you visit a Driver Services office in person with the right documents.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while you wait — the office gives you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to renew it instead of replacing it, which involves a written test and a new photo. This guide covers replacement only — the scenario where your license is still valid but you have lost the physical card.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a photo ID to any Driver Services office.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 and covers a license valid through your original expiration date.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You do not retake any tests — the new license carries your original number and all restrictions or endorsements.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew rather than replace it, which requires a written test.
What documents to bring to the Driver Services office
You need three things: your Social Security number (written down or memorized), one form of photo ID, and one form of proof of residency.
Photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from the residency list instead — the office will accept that combination.
Proof of residency must show your current name and address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (tax return, court document, or benefits letter). The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option because most people have one at home.
If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Without it, your new license will still show your old name.
Where to find your nearest Driver Services office and hours
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in every county. Find the one closest to you at the Tennessee Department of Safety website (tn.gov/safety) under "Driver Services Locations." The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each office.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have different hours or limited days. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes — a few rural offices have reduced schedules or close for lunch. You do not need an appointment; offices serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices during lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoon (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) tend to be busiest. If you can visit mid-morning or early afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will likely wait less than 15 minutes.
The replacement fee and what happens at the office
The replacement fee is $27.50. The office accepts cash, debit, or credit card. You pay this fee only once — it covers the temporary license and the permanent card mailed to you.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will ask for your documents, verify your Social Security number against state records, and take a new photo (you cannot use your old photo). The photo is taken at the office, so wear something you do not mind being photographed in.
After you pay the fee, the office prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent card is in the mail. Write down the temporary license number — you may need it if you are pulled over.
The permanent license is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, contact Driver Services with your new address so they can forward it.
If your license expired more than three years ago
Tennessee treats a lost license differently depending on how long ago it expired. If your license is still valid (not expired, or expired less than three years ago), you follow the replacement process above.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a new photo, and a vision screening. You still do not retake the road test. The renewal fee is $27.50, the same as replacement.
To renew, bring the same documents (Social Security number, photo ID, and proof of residency) to a Driver Services office. Tell the staff you need to renew, not replace. The office will schedule you to take the written test, usually the same day or within a few days. After you pass, you receive a temporary license and the permanent card arrives by mail.
What to do if you cannot find your Social Security number
You need your Social Security number to replace your license, but you do not need to bring the card itself. If you do not know your number, you can look it up before you go to the office — check old tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, or insurance paperwork. Your employer's HR department can also provide it if you ask.
If you cannot find your number and do not have time to search, call the Driver Services office before you visit. Some offices can look up your Social Security number using your name and date of birth, though this varies by location. Calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
You cannot replace your license without a Social Security number on file with Tennessee. If you do not have one (for example, if you are not a U.S. citizen), you will need to explore for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) through the IRS first, or bring documentation of your immigration status to the Driver Services office.
Replacing your license if you have moved out of state
If you now live outside Tennessee but your license is still valid, you can replace it by mail instead of visiting an office. Contact the Tennessee Driver Services office by phone at 615-741-3054 to request a replacement by mail process. They will mail you a form to complete and return with copies of your documents.
Mail replacement takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks total — because your documents must be reviewed and approved before the license is printed and mailed to you. You do not receive a temporary license with this method, so you cannot drive legally in Tennessee until your new license arrives.
If you have moved to another state and obtained a driver's license there, you no longer need your Tennessee license. Your new state's license is valid everywhere. You can keep your Tennessee license as a form of ID, but you do not need to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by phone?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office to replace a lost license. The office needs to take a new photo and verify your identity. You cannot complete this process online or by phone, except for the mail-in option if you live out of state.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
If your wallet was stolen, you should report it to the police and file a report. Bring the police report number to the Driver Services office — it helps document that the loss was not your fault. You still need proof of residency and a photo ID, so bring a passport, military ID, or other form of ID you have at home.
Do I have to go to the office in my home county?
No. You can visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee, regardless of which county you live in. Some people visit an office near their workplace or on their way to run other errands. The process is the same at every location.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
Yes. Your replacement license carries your original license number and expiration date. The only thing that changes is the photo and the physical card itself. Any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges) stay the same.
What if my temporary license expires before my permanent license arrives?
This is rare, but if it happens, contact the Driver Services office where you got your replacement. They can issue you another temporary license while you wait for the permanent one. Keep the receipt from your replacement transaction so you can reference it when you call.