Where to get a replacement Tennessee driver's license
You can replace your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. These offices are located in every county across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the TDOSHS website by entering your county name — the site lists hours, address, and whether you need an appointment.
Some counties require you to book an appointment online or by phone before you arrive; others operate on a walk-in basis. Check your specific location before you go, because showing up without an appointment at a location that requires one will waste a trip.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Tennessee. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current license or ID.
- A replacement license costs $27 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- Some Driver Services offices require appointments; others accept walk-ins, so confirm your location's policy before you go.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the report number to your appointment.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security number and proof of residency. Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Tennessee address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number instead. If your license was damaged or defaced, bring the damaged card itself.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card — just know your number. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or a birth certificate for a replacement; those are only required when you first get a license or renew after it expires.
What happens at the Driver Services office
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo, and confirm your address. They will ask why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change — and process your request accordingly.
You will pay $27 by cash, check, or card. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic card while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Your plastic replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need it faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location — ask when you arrive or call ahead.
If your license was lost or stolen
Contact your local police department and file a report. You do not need to do this before you go to Driver Services, but having a report number speeds up the process. Bring the report number with you to your appointment.
If you cannot get a police report number before your appointment, tell the Driver Services staff that your license was stolen. They can still issue a replacement, though some offices may ask you to file the report afterward and call back with the number.
Reporting a lost or stolen license does not affect your driving record or insurance. It straightforward creates a record that the license is no longer valid, which prevents someone else from using it if they find it.
If your name has changed
Bring legal documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The Driver Services staff will review the document and update your name in the system at the same time they issue your replacement license.
You will still pay the standard $27 replacement fee. The process takes the same two to three weeks for your new card to arrive by mail.
Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need
A replacement is what you need if your license is still valid but lost, stolen, damaged, or has incorrect information. You pay $27 and keep your same license number and expiration date.
A renewal is what you need when your license has expired or is about to expire. You pay a different fee (which varies based on how long you want the license to be valid) and receive a new expiration date. If your license is expired, you cannot legally drive, so renewal becomes urgent.
If your license is both expired and lost, you will need to renew rather than replace. Contact Driver Services to confirm the process, because renewal has slightly different document requirements than replacement.
After your replacement arrives
Your new license will arrive at the address you provided at your appointment. Open the envelope and check that your name, address, and license number are correct. If anything is wrong, return to a Driver Services office with your new license and the temporary paper license you received at your first visit.
Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. You can throw it away. Use your new plastic license for identification and driving.
If your replacement does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as your plastic card. You can use it to drive, show to police if stopped, and present as ID. Keep it with you until your plastic replacement arrives.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your license is sent to the correct location. Do this as soon as you move to avoid your license being returned to your old address.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on your county. Check the TDOSHS website for your specific Driver Services office location — it will state whether appointments are required or if walk-ins are accepted. Some offices use an online booking system; others accept phone reservations.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement license costs $27 in Tennessee. This fee covers the cost of the new card and processing. Payment is due when you submit your request at the Driver Services office.
What if my replacement license arrives with a mistake on it?
Return to any Driver Services office with your incorrect license and your temporary paper license. Staff will correct the error and issue a new replacement at no additional charge. Bring the same documents you brought to your first appointment.