Where to go and what to bring
To replace your Tennessee driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services Center run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You cannot mail in a replacement or do it online — you must appear in person with your documents.
Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or passport card all work. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a 1099 form) and proof of your current Tennessee address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person; replacements cannot be done by mail or online.
- Bring your current license or a government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
- The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license and $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
- If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center.
Finding your nearest Driver Services Center
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in most counties. The easiest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their location finder, or call 615-251-8590 during business hours. Centers are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some locations have different hours.
Many centers do not take appointments, so you can walk in during business hours. However, some locations now offer online scheduling through the state website. Check your local center's page to see if you can reserve a time slot — this can shorten your wait significantly.
The cost and what you will receive
A standard Tennessee driver's license replacement costs $27. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025), the cost is $32. You pay this fee at the Driver Services Center when you submit your documents.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the center. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the staff at the Driver Services Center for a temporary paper license — they can issue one on the spot at no extra charge, and it is valid for 45 days.
Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. This usually means paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the state.
Contact the Driver Services Center or call 615-251-8590 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. Once that is complete, you can then replace your license using the standard process described above.
If your license was lost or stolen
If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it — just bring a government-issued photo ID instead of your current license. However, if your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to file a report with the police or contact the Tennessee Attorney General's office for guidance on protecting yourself.
When you replace a lost or stolen license, the state will not charge you a replacement fee if you report it within 30 days of the loss. After 30 days, you pay the standard $27 or $32 fee. Ask the staff at the Driver Services Center whether your loss falls within the 30-day window.
Renewing instead of replacing
If your license is not damaged, lost, or stolen, but it is about to expire, you may be able to renew it instead of replacing it. Renewals can sometimes be done online or by mail, depending on your situation. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call 615-251-8590 to see if you are may be able to access for a mail or online renewal.
A replacement is different from a renewal: you replace a license when something is wrong with your current one (it is damaged, lost, stolen, or you need to update your information), and you renew it when it is still valid but about to expire. If you are unsure which one you need, the Driver Services Center staff can tell you when you call or visit.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
Tennessee does not allow someone else to pick up a replacement license on your behalf. You must appear in person at a Driver Services Center. If you are unable to travel due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local Driver Services Center to ask about accommodations or alternative options — some centers may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
If you are out of state, you can still replace your license by visiting any Driver Services Center when you return to Tennessee. Your license remains valid for driving until it expires, even if it is damaged or you have reported it lost or stolen, so you have time to make the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center with your documents. You cannot replace a license by mail or online, though you may be able to renew an expiring license online if you meet certain conditions.
How long does it take to get my new license?
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center — it is valid for 45 days and costs nothing.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the Driver Services Center. You can update your address at the same time you replace your license, or you can update it separately if your license is still valid.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was lost?
No fee applies if you report the loss within 30 days. After 30 days, you pay the standard replacement fee of $27 for a regular license or $32 for a REAL ID license. Ask the staff at the Driver Services Center whether your loss qualifies for the fee waiver.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services Center will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.