Get a replacement driver's license from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
To replace a lost driver's license in Tennessee, you visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. Tennessee does not issue replacement licenses by mail, so you must appear in person at one of the state's Driver Services locations.
Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license and will be valid for the remainder of your current license term. If your license expires soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replace it, since the fees are similar and you will avoid a second trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Tennessee residency to get a replacement license.
- The replacement fee is $27 for a standard driver's license, and you will receive your new license the same day.
- Bring documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement to prove you live in Tennessee.
- If your license expires within the next few months, consider renewing it at the same visit to avoid returning later.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one form of valid photo identification and one document proving your current Tennessee address. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or an expired driver's license. The state does not accept photos on a phone or printed copies of documents.
For proof of residency, bring an original or copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your mail has not caught up, a lease agreement or utility bill in your name works even if it shows a different address, as long as you can explain the move to the staff member.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, the system will not allow the name change on your new license.
Where to go and what to expect
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and the first week of the month. Smaller county offices typically move faster.
Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement license. They will verify your identity, check your documents, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will then have a new photo taken. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Pay the $27 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept checks, but not all, so bring a card if you are unsure. You will receive your new license before you leave the office.
If you need a license before your replacement arrives
Your new license is issued the same day you visit, so you will not have to wait. However, if you need to drive before you can get to an office, Tennessee allows you to request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Ask the staff member at the Driver Services office whether they can issue one, or call ahead to confirm your local office offers this option.
If you have already reported your license as lost or stolen to law enforcement, bring a copy of that report to the Driver Services office. This does not change the replacement process, but it creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.
Replacing your license if you are out of state
If you are living outside Tennessee temporarily but your Tennessee license is still valid, you can renew or replace it by mail through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. However, replacement of a lost license specifically requires an in-person visit. You will need to return to Tennessee or contact a Driver Services office to discuss your options.
If you have moved to another state permanently and no longer need a Tennessee license, you do not need to replace it. straightforward obtain a license in your new state. Your old Tennessee license will expire on its scheduled date and become invalid.
What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If someone else might be using your lost license, file a report with local law enforcement. Bring the report to the Driver Services office when you get your replacement. This alerts the state that your old license number should not be trusted for identity purposes.
You should also check your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com to watch for fraudulent accounts opened in your name. A lost driver's license is a common tool for identity theft, so monitoring your credit for the next few months is a reasonable precaution. If you spot suspicious activity, contact the credit bureau and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office to replace a lost license. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may be able to renew it by mail after you receive your replacement in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the Driver Services staff what other documents they accept. Some offices will work with you if you bring multiple documents together, such as a piece of government mail plus a letter from your employer showing your address.
How long does a replacement license take?
You receive your new license the same day you visit the office. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You do not have to return later or wait for mail delivery.
Do I have to pay if my license was stolen?
Yes. The replacement fee is $27 whether your license was lost or stolen. Tennessee does not waive the fee based on the reason for replacement. Bring payment by cash, debit card, or credit card.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring the document proving your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services staff will update your name on your new license at the same time they issue the replacement.