Get a replacement license by visiting a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Tennessee driver's license by mail or online. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
- Bring one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one document proving your Tennessee address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $27.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most locations.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering Saturday hours.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state. If your passport or birth certificate is also lost, you will need to obtain a replacement first before you can get your driver's license back.
Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and address. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be an official document from a utility company, financial institution, or government agency.
If you do not have proof of residency in your name, bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address and can provide their own ID and proof of residency. This adds an extra step but allows you to proceed if your mail is not in your name.
Finding and visiting a Driver Services Center
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers in most counties. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted during regular hours. To find the center nearest you, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website and use their location finder, or call 615-251-8590 to confirm hours and current wait times.
Centers are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon. Arrive early in the day or mid-week if possible, as mornings and Mondays tend to have shorter waits. Some centers close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., so check the specific location's hours before you go.
Bring all required documents, your replacement fee, and a completed DL 44 form if you want to update any information on your license (such as address or name). You can read and fill out the form before you arrive to save time, though staff can also provide blank forms at the center.
The replacement fee and payment options
The replacement fee for a lost Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. This is a flat rate regardless of how long your license had remaining before expiration. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most Driver Services Centers. A few smaller rural locations may accept cash only, so call ahead if you are uncertain.
If you are replacing a license that was also damaged or if you need to update information at the same time, the fee remains $27.50. There are no additional charges for the temporary paper license or for mailing the permanent card to your address.
What happens after you pay
After you submit your documents and pay the fee, staff will take your photo and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent card — you can use it to drive, board flights, or show as ID anywhere a driver's license is accepted.
Your permanent plastic card is printed at a central facility and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website or at your next visit to a Driver Services Center, and the card will be reissued to your new address.
If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied or call 615-251-8590 to report it. Staff can check the status and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.
If your license was lost in another state
If you lost your Tennessee license while traveling out of state, you still must return to Tennessee to replace it in person. You cannot replace it at a Driver Services Center in another state. However, you can request an expedited replacement by calling 615-251-8590 and explaining your situation — staff may be able to hold a temporary license at a specific center for you to pick up if you cannot visit when ready.
Alternatively, if you are stranded without ID, you can contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol or local law enforcement to request a temporary travel permit valid for a specific number of days. This is not a replacement license but allows you to drive legally while you arrange to return to Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my ID and proof of residency are also lost?
No. You must have at least one valid form of primary identification. If your passport and birth certificate are lost, you will need to obtain replacements from the issuing agency first. Contact the U.S. State Department for a passport or your state's vital records office for a birth certificate. This process takes several weeks, so plan accordingly.
What if I moved and my proof of residency is from my old address?
Proof of residency must show your current Tennessee address. If you recently moved, bring a utility bill, lease, or other official document dated within 90 days at your new address. If you have not received any mail at your new address yet, a notarized affidavit of residency from someone else at that address will work.
Do I need to take a new photo or retake the written test?
You will have a new photo taken at the Driver Services Center. You do not need to retake the written or driving test — a replacement license is issued based on your existing driving record. The new license will have the same class and restrictions as your original.
What if I lost my license and it was suspended or had points on it?
Your replacement license will reflect your current driving status. If your license was suspended, you cannot receive a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to check your status and find out what steps are needed to clear the suspension.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must explore in person at a Driver Services Center. However, once your permanent card arrives by mail, anyone can receive it at your address — you do not need to be home to sign for it.