Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Tennessee driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with specific documents.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID all work. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) 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. Without it, you cannot update your name on the new license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license or photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee address.
  • The replacement fee is $27 for a standard license valid for eight years, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before you can replace it — Driver Services will tell you what is required.
  • Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations accept walk-ins while others require an appointment.

Finding the nearest Driver Services office

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. To find the one closest to you, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours, while others require you to schedule an appointment. If an office is busy, you may wait several hours even with an appointment, so calling to ask about current wait times can help you plan. A few high-traffic offices in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville often have longer waits than rural locations.

What happens when you arrive

When you check in, tell the staff member that you are replacing your license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $27 fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though this varies by how busy the office is that day.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and other purposes while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive after two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $27. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the cost is the same — there is no extra charge. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Most offices accept all four, but call your local office to confirm what they take.

If you are replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is still $27. There is no separate fee for a replacement versus a renewal.

If your license was suspended or revoked

Before you can replace your license, any suspension or revocation must be cleared. This might be due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or other violations. Driver Services will not issue a replacement until the underlying issue is resolved.

When you arrive at the office, staff will check your driving record. If there is a hold, they will tell you what you need to do. This might mean paying a fine to the court, contacting the child support enforcement office, or completing a required program. Once you have done that, you can return to Driver Services and complete your replacement.

Replacing a license that was damaged or defaced

If your license is torn, faded, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable, you can replace it at any Driver Services office. Bring the damaged license itself along with your proof of Social Security number and address. The process is the same as any other replacement, and the fee is $27.

If your license is so damaged that you cannot read your own name or photo, you may want to bring it in its damaged state so staff can see what happened. This is not required, but it can speed up the process.

Replacing a license with a name change

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

The staff member will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This takes the same amount of time as any other replacement and costs $27. If you do not bring proof of the name change, your new license will still show your old name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. An expired license is still valid for replacement purposes. Bring it along with your other documents, and you will receive a new license with a fresh eight-year expiration date. The fee is $27.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have other proof of my number?

You can use a W-2, tax return, or other document issued by the IRS or Social Security Administration that shows your number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive?

Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If yours does not arrive after two weeks, call the Driver Services office where you applied. They can check the status and reissue if needed. Do not throw away your temporary paper license until the permanent one arrives.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken. However, once your permanent license arrives in the mail, anyone can open it. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can ask the Driver Services office if they offer pickup at the office instead of mailing.

What if I moved to Tennessee from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You can replace your out-of-state license with a Tennessee license at any Driver Services office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee address. The process is the same as replacing a Tennessee license, and the fee is $27.