Where to go and what to bring
You replace your Tennessee driver's license at a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. There are offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the TDOSHS website by entering your county or city. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now let you reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current driver's license, a document proving your Tennessee residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license. If your name changed through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document. You will also need to pay the replacement fee, which is $27 for a standard license valid for five years.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement saying it was lost. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself. The office staff will take a new photo, so plan for that — wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid hats or sunglasses.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a Driver Services office in your county with your current license, proof of residency, and $27.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement; if damaged, bring the damaged license.
- Most offices do not require an appointment, but some allow you to reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your replacement
Once you hand over your documents and pay the fee, the office will take your photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive — it is your proof of a valid license.
Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address on file with the state. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you need the card faster, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited mail, which typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days, though delivery times depend on the postal service.
If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online through the TDOSHS website or at your next visit to a Driver Services office. The license will still be mailed to the address you provided at replacement, so contact the office if you need to change it before the card ships.
Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state
If your Tennessee license expired and you have been living outside Tennessee, you can still replace it in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to provide proof that you now live in Tennessee again — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will treat this as a standard replacement, not a renewal, so you will pay the replacement fee of $27.
If you are still living out of state and want to keep your Tennessee license active, you cannot renew it by mail or online. Tennessee requires you to appear in person for any license transaction. Your options are to visit a Driver Services office the next time you are in Tennessee, or to switch to a driver's license in the state where you now live.
If your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Driver Services office or call the TDOSHS customer service line to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or violations of traffic safety laws.
Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can replace your license the same way as anyone else. Bring your documents, pay the fee, and the office will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent card. The office staff can tell you whether your record has been cleared before you explore.
Replacing a license with a different class or endorsement
If you want to replace your license and also change the class (for example, from a regular Class D to a commercial Class A license) or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you cannot do both in one transaction. You must first replace your current license, then explore separately to upgrade or add an endorsement. Each change requires its own fee and may require additional testing or documentation.
Talk to the Driver Services office staff about what you need for the upgrade or endorsement before you replace your license. They can tell you what documents, tests, or fees explore to your specific change. Some endorsements require a written test, a road test, or both.
Replacing a license with a REAL ID or enhanced endorsement
A standard Tennessee driver's license is not a REAL ID. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025), you must request it when you replace your license. Tell the office staff you want a REAL ID license, and bring an additional document proving your citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
A REAL ID license costs $27, the same as a standard replacement. It looks the same as a regular license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not request REAL ID when you replace your license, your new license will be standard, and you can upgrade it later at another visit.
Tennessee also offers an Enhanced Driver's License, which can be used for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. An Enhanced license costs more than a standard license and requires additional documentation. Ask the office staff whether an Enhanced license makes sense for your travel plans.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Tennessee does not offer mail-in replacement for driver's licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, contact the TDOSHS office in your county to ask about accommodations or alternative options — some offices may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
If you are temporarily out of state, you can replace your license the next time you visit Tennessee. Bring the same documents you would bring if you lived here. If you have moved permanently out of state, you should switch to a driver's license in your new state rather than replacing a Tennessee license you no longer use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to replace your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot do it online or by mail. You can find your nearest office on the TDOSHS website.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving. If you pay $15 extra for expedited mail, delivery usually takes 3 to 5 business days, though the postal service controls the final delivery time.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Update your address on the TDOSHS website or at a Driver Services office. Your license will still be mailed to the address you gave at replacement. If you change your address before the card ships, contact your local Driver Services office to update it.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
Most Driver Services offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. Some offices now let you reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring the legal document showing the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.