Get a replacement license by visiting a Tennessee Driver Services office 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 office 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 you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. The replacement fee is $27.50 as of the current year, though you should confirm the current fee when you call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the office will verify it against state records before issuing a new license.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that works for 30 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The replacement fee is $27.50, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
- If your license was lost outside Tennessee, you may need to show proof that you reported it to that state's DMV before Tennessee will issue a replacement.
Gather your documents before you visit
Bring an original or certified copy of one document from this list: a birth certificate, passport, passport card, military ID, or naturalization certificate. This proves your identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a lease agreement. The document must show your name and current address or be paired with a second document that does.
You will also need proof of your current Tennessee address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill itself. A government check or tax return showing your address also works.
Bring your Social Security number written down, or bring a document that shows it — a Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. The office will verify it against federal records. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot find a document showing it, call the office before you go; they can sometimes look it up if you provide other identifying information.
Find the Driver Services office nearest you
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool, or call 615-251-8590 to find the address, phone number, and hours of the office closest to you. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have different hours or are closed on certain days. Call your local office before you go to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times.
Some offices are busier than others. If you can visit early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Friday afternoons and the first week of the month tend to be busier. A few larger offices offer online appointment scheduling through the state website; check whether yours does when you call.
What to expect when you arrive at the office
Tell the staff member at the front desk that you are replacing a lost license. They will give you a number and direct you to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a window where a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign a form confirming your information. The entire process at the window takes 5 to 10 minutes.
The staff member will ask whether you want to keep the same address on your license or update it. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address now so you do not have to return later. You can also choose to renew your license for a longer period at this time if it is expiring soon, though this costs extra.
After you sign the form, you will go to a payment window and pay the $27.50 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Keep this with you at all times until your permanent card arrives, because it is your proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police or asked for ID.
Track your permanent license after you leave
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within 14 days, call the office where you applied and provide your driver's license number. They can check the status and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Do not throw away your temporary paper license until you receive the permanent card. If your permanent card arrives damaged or with an error, return to the office with both the temporary and permanent licenses, and they will issue a corrected card at no additional charge.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Tennessee does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. If you are unable to visit an office because of illness, disability, or another reason, call the office where you would normally explore and ask whether they can arrange an alternative. Some offices may be able to send a staff member to your home or workplace, though this is not may provide and may involve additional fees.
If you are out of state and cannot return to Tennessee when ready, you can explore for a duplicate license by mail through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, but this process is slower and requires notarized documents. Call 615-251-8590 to request the out-of-state replacement form and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or cross state lines?
No. A temporary paper Tennessee license is not accepted as ID for air travel or to cross into another state. You will need a passport, passport card, or military ID. If you need to fly before your permanent license arrives, you will have to use one of these documents instead.
What if my license was lost in another state?
Tennessee may require you to show proof that you reported the loss to that state's DMV before issuing a replacement. Call the office where you plan to explore and ask what documentation they need. If you have a police report from the state where you lost it, bring that as well.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the license was stolen?
Yes. Tennessee charges the same $27.50 replacement fee whether the license was lost or stolen. A police report is not required, though you can bring one if you have filed one. The fee is the same either way.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person to explore for a replacement license. No one else can explore on your behalf or pick up the temporary license at the office. However, once your permanent card is mailed to your address, anyone living at that address can receive it.
What if my address on file is wrong and I do not know what it is?
Call the Driver Services office and provide your name and Social Security number. They can look up your current address on file and tell you what it is. You can then update it when you visit to explore for your replacement license.