Get a replacement license by visiting a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency
A lost Tennessee driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. You cannot replace it by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your current Tennessee address, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Tennessee's Driver Services is part of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. There are offices in most counties, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. If you have moved recently or your address on file is wrong, bring proof of your new address so the replacement card reflects the correct information.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person; there is no mail-in or online option for a replacement license.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Tennessee address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license and $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
What documents to bring to the Driver Services office
Bring an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents — ask the office which ones they will accept, since the rules can vary slightly by location.
Bring proof that you live in Tennessee now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement counts.
Bring your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself, but you will need to know the number. If you do not know it, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 before your visit.
Finding the Driver Services office nearest you
Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days a week.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the office's page on the state website to see if yours offers it. If you schedule ahead, you will skip the waiting line. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits tend to be faster.
The replacement fee and payment methods
A standard Tennessee driver's license replacement costs $27.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), the fee is $32.50. REAL ID requires additional identity verification, so the process takes slightly longer, but you can request it at the same visit.
Driver Services offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. They do not accept digital payment methods like Apple Pay or Venmo. If you pay by check, make it out to "Tennessee Department of Safety." Keep your receipt — it serves as proof of payment if there is ever a question about your transaction.
What happens after you leave the office
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes and looks like a printed receipt. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. The temporary is good for 30 days, which is longer than the typical 7 to 10 day mailing time, so you should have your card before the temporary expires.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the post office's mail forwarding service, or you can contact Driver Services to request they mail it to a new address. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the Driver Services office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
If your license was stolen instead of lost
You can replace a stolen license using the same process as a lost one. However, you may want to file a police report first, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You do not need the report to get a replacement, but having one on file is useful documentation.
If you suspect your identity has been compromised, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can also request a free credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized accounts.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Tennessee does not offer mail-in or remote replacement for a lost license. If you are homebound, ill, or unable to travel, you have limited options. Some counties may allow a family member or caregiver to pick up a temporary license on your behalf if you provide written authorization, but this varies by location. Call your local Driver Services office and explain your situation — they can tell you what is possible in your area.
If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Tennessee to replace your license. In the meantime, a passport or other government ID can serve as identification. If you need to drive before returning, you may be able to get a temporary driving permit from another state, though this is not a replacement license and has restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Most replacement licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. Mail times can be longer during busy periods or if there are postal delays. If your card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied to check whether it has been mailed.
Can I drive with the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary license is valid for driving and identification for 30 days. You can use it anywhere a regular license is accepted, including traffic stops and age verification. Keep it with you at all times while you are waiting for your permanent card.
What if I moved and my address on the license is wrong?
Bring proof of your new address to the Driver Services office when you explore for the replacement. The new license will have your current address printed on it. If you want to update your address without replacing the license, you can do that separately at any Driver Services office for a small fee.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, it is not required. However, if your license was stolen or if you are concerned about identity theft, filing a police report creates an official record. This can help protect you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.
What if I lost my license outside of Tennessee?
You will still need to visit a Tennessee Driver Services office to replace it. If you are out of state, you can wait until you return. In the meantime, use a passport or other government ID for identification. You cannot replace a Tennessee license through an office in another state.