Getting a replacement license in Tennessee takes about two weeks if you go in person, or up to four weeks by mail
You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person or request a replacement by mail through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The in-person route is faster and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route costs less but takes longer and requires you to send original documents through the postal service, which carries some risk.
Tennessee does not issue replacement licenses online, and you cannot use a third-party service to do this for you. You are dealing directly with the state, which means the process is straightforward but not fast.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person to get a replacement license the same day, or mail your documents to the state if you cannot go in person.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash or card — the office does not accept checks.
- A replacement license costs $27 if you are renewing at the same time, or $17 if you are only replacing a lost one.
- Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
- If your license was lost outside Tennessee, you may need to show proof of residency from your current address before the state will issue a replacement.
What documents you need to bring to a Driver Services office
Bring your Social Security number (memorized or written down), a document proving where you live, and a form of payment. The proof of residency must show your current address and your name — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If you do not have a document with your address on it, you can bring two documents that show your name and one that shows your address, even if the address document does not have your name. For example, a passport plus a utility bill would work.
Payment must be cash, debit card, or credit card. Driver Services offices do not accept checks or electronic transfers.
Finding a Driver Services office near you and what to expect
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your county or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, while rural offices may be faster.
When you arrive, you will fill out a form requesting a duplicate license. You will also have your photo taken for the new license. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check the office's page on the state website to see if appointments are available in your area.
Mailing in your replacement request if you cannot visit an office
If you cannot go to an office in person, you can mail your documents to the Tennessee Department of Safety. You will need to fill out the duplicate license form (DL 43), include a copy of your proof of residency, and send a check or money order for $17 to the address listed on the form.
The state recommends sending your documents by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. This route takes three to four weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Because you are mailing original documents, there is a small risk they could be lost in transit — certified mail gives you some protection if that happens.
You cannot drive legally while waiting for your replacement license by mail unless you have a temporary license from a previous visit to an office. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit an office in person to get the temporary license.
The cost of replacing a lost license in Tennessee
A replacement license costs $17 if your current license is still valid and you are only replacing a lost one. If your license has also expired, you will pay $27 to renew and replace it at the same time.
These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for the temporary license or for processing. If you are mailing your request, you will also pay for certified mail, which costs a few dollars depending on your location.
What to do if your license was lost or stolen outside Tennessee
If you lost your license while traveling or living outside the state, you can still get a replacement through Tennessee as long as you still live there. You will need to show proof that you currently live in Tennessee — the same documents listed above work for this.
If you have moved to another state since your Tennessee license was issued, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. Tennessee will not issue a replacement to someone who no longer lives there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary license to drive right away?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you receive it at the Driver Services office. You can drive with it for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license arrives before 30 days, the temporary one becomes invalid.
What if I never receive my replacement license in the mail?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to report it. They can check whether your license was mailed and to which address. If it was lost in the mail, they can issue a new one. Keep your temporary license as proof you requested a replacement in case you are stopped by police.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You do not have to, but you can if you are concerned about identity theft. Reporting it creates a record that your license was lost, which can help if someone tries to use it. The Driver Services office does not require a police report to issue a replacement.
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in five years, your replacement will also expire in five years from the date you receive it.