Getting a replacement Tennessee driver's license when yours is lost

To replace a lost Tennessee driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. Tennessee does not issue replacements by mail, and you cannot renew online if your license is lost rather than expired. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft or fraud. However, if someone else might be using your license number, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's fraud line to place a security alert on your record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center with a valid ID and proof of your current address — there is no online or mail-in option for lost licenses.
  • The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 days.
  • Bring documents that prove both who you are (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and where you live (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • If you suspect fraud or identity theft, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 to report it before you explore for the replacement.

What documents you need to bring

Tennessee requires two types of proof: one document showing your identity and one showing your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy will not work — the document must be original.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 90 days. A bill or statement must show your current name and address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new address, a lease signed by you and your landlord will work.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card if you have it. You will also need to know your Tennessee license number if you remember it, though the Driver Services Center can look it up by your name and date of birth.

Where to go and what to expect

Visit any Driver Services Center operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the nearest location and current hours on the department's website by entering your county or city. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring all your documents and arrive prepared to have a new photo taken. You cannot use a photo from your lost license. The photo will be taken at the center using their camera, so wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. You will fill out a form (DL 43) at the counter, and the staff will verify your documents and process your replacement.

You will pay $27.50 at the time of replacement. Tennessee accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most centers, though a few older locations may accept cash only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

Before you leave the Driver Services Center, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for any other purpose your regular license serves. Keep it in a safe place, because you will need it if you are stopped by police before your new card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Do not assume it is lost — Tennessee's mail processing can take longer during high-volume periods.

If you suspect fraud or identity theft

If your license was lost in a way that makes you think someone else might use it — for example, it was stolen from your car or wallet along with other documents — contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's fraud line at 615-251-8590 before you go to the Driver Services Center. They can place a security alert on your record that flags any attempts to use your license number fraudulently.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if your Social Security number was also lost or stolen. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the others.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. This is a one-time fee for the replacement itself; there are no additional charges for the temporary paper license or for mailing. If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost, the fee is the same.

Most Driver Services Centers accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A small number of older or rural locations may accept cash only. If you are unsure about payment methods at your specific center, call ahead — the number is listed on the department's website next to the center's address and hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete the replacement process at the Driver Services Center. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere your regular license would work. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a certified copy of your birth certificate ordered from the vital records office in the county where you were born. If you have none of these, contact the Driver Services Center — they can sometimes work with other documents, though the process may take longer.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, unless you suspect someone else is using it or you believe it was stolen as part of a larger theft. If you straightforward lost it, you can go straight to the Driver Services Center. If you do suspect fraud, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 before you explore for the replacement.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail before that 30 days is up. If it does not, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied to check the status.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions. If your license was also expired or about to expire, you will need to handle the renewal separately after you receive your replacement card, or you can ask the Driver Services Center staff whether you can renew at the same visit — policies vary by location.