Get a replacement license by visiting a Tennessee Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency
Tennessee issues replacement licenses the same day you explore, as long as you bring the right documents and your vision test passes. You cannot order a replacement online or by mail — you must go to a Driver Services office. The process takes about 30 minutes from arrival to photograph, and you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The state charges $27 for a standard replacement license. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to get a new one, though having one on file can help if someone uses your information fraudulently. Your replacement will have the same number and expiration date as your original license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Tennessee Driver Services office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address.
- Replacement licenses cost $27 and are issued the same day, with a temporary paper license valid until your plastic card arrives by mail.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license, so you do not lose time on your renewal cycle.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report separately — it is not required to get a replacement, but it protects you if someone misuses your information.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of your current Tennessee address. The photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. Do not bring an expired Tennessee driver's license — it does not count as current proof of identity for this purpose.
For proof of address, bring one of these: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, which you can get from a notary public for a small fee — usually $5 to $15.
If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy will not work — it must be certified.
Finding the nearest Driver Services office
Tennessee has 74 Driver Services offices across the state. Find the one closest to you by visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, hours, and current wait times for nearby offices.
Some offices are busier than others. Offices in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and the first week of the month. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning usually means a shorter wait. You can call the office before you go to ask about current wait times.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the specific office's hours before you go — they vary by location.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and address, then direct you to the vision screening station. You will read letters on a chart from about 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription, and return.
After you pass the vision test, you will go to the photograph station. Wear something you feel comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for the next several years. The photographer will take your picture and ask you to sign a digital pad. You will then pay the $27 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for any legal purpose. Your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
If your license was stolen
A stolen license is treated the same way as a lost one for replacement purposes — you still pay $27 and get a new one the same day. However, you should file a police report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department to create an official record. This protects you if someone uses your license number or personal information fraudulently.
When you file the report, give the police the license number if you remember it, your date of birth, and where you last had the license. Keep a copy of the police report for your records. If fraudulent activity does occur later, you will have documentation that you reported the theft.
Renewing instead of replacing
If your lost license was close to expiration, you may want to renew it instead of replacing it. A renewal costs $27 — the same as a replacement — but extends your license for another four or eight years depending on your age. You can renew online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website without visiting an office, though you will still need to provide a new photograph within 60 days by visiting an office.
If you choose to replace now and your license expires within the next year, you will need to renew again soon after. If your license expires more than a year away, replacing is the simpler choice because you will not need to renew for several years.
What to do if you cannot visit an office
Tennessee does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office. If you are unable to travel due to a medical condition or disability, call the office where you plan to go and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to complete the process with information, though you still must be present.
If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Tennessee to replace your license. Your lost license remains valid for driving purposes until it expires, even though you no longer have the physical card. If you are stopped by police, explain that your license was lost and you have a police report on file — most officers will verify this through their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a proof of address document?
Yes. You can get a notarized affidavit of residency from a notary public, which costs $5 to $15. The notary will verify your identity and current address, then create an official document that Driver Services will accept. Many banks, law offices, and UPS stores have notaries available.
What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my plastic card arrives?
Call the Driver Services office where you got the replacement and ask them to issue you another temporary license. Bring your photo ID and proof of address again. There is no additional charge for a replacement temporary license.
Do I need a police report to replace my lost license?
No. You can get a replacement without a police report. However, if your license was stolen, filing a report creates a record that protects you if someone misuses your information. The report is optional but recommended for stolen licenses.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic replacement card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the office where you applied to check the status.
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. You must replace your lost license first, then renew separately when your license is close to expiration. However, if your license expires within the next year, you may want to renew online instead of replacing, since renewal costs the same and extends your license longer.