Tennessee replaces lost, stolen, or damaged licenses at your local Driver Services office

If your Tennessee driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You do not need to retake the written or road test. The process takes about 15 minutes if you walk in with the right documents, though some offices have longer wait times during peak hours.

The replacement license looks and works exactly like your original—same number, same expiration date. You pay a fee at the time of replacement, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services office without retaking any tests.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment for the replacement fee.
  • The replacement fee varies depending on how many years remain on your current license, so call ahead or check the TDSA website for the exact amount.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and one document proving your current Tennessee address. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail postmarked within the last 90 days. A piece of mail with your name and address is the fastest proof.

If you cannot provide a current address document, you can bring your vehicle registration or a recent tax return. If your name has changed since your last license—through marriage, divorce, or legal change—bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen. If it is damaged, bring it with you so the office can destroy it and confirm the number.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in every county. The main office is in Nashville at 1150 Foster Avenue, but you can use any location. Find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website under "Driver Services Locations," or call 615-251-8590 to confirm hours and current wait times.

Some offices are busier than others. Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster than lunch hour or Friday afternoon. If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, consider bringing a police report—it is not required, but it can speed up the process if the office has questions.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee depends on how long your current license is valid. If your license expires within one year, the fee is lower than if it has several years left. Call your local Driver Services office or check the TDSA website for the exact amount, as fees can change. Payment is cash, check, or card—bring what the office accepts.

The fee covers the replacement card only. It does not include any endorsements (like a commercial driver's license upgrade) or address changes beyond what is on file. If you need to update your address, height, or other information, tell the staff when you arrive—they can make those changes at the same time for no extra cost.

What happens after you leave the office

You walk out with a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary is valid for 30 days and works for driving, traffic stops, and identification. Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address on file in your driver's license record—not necessarily your current residence if you have not updated it yet.

The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the TDSA website or at a Driver Services office, and they can remail the card. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the office where you applied and give them your license number.

Replacing a license that was stolen or involved in fraud

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, tell the staff at the Driver Services office. They can flag your record and issue a new license number instead of reissuing the same one. This takes the same amount of time and costs the same fee, but it protects you if someone tries to use your old number.

If you discover your license was used fraudulently—for example, someone was cited or arrested under your name—bring a copy of the citation or arrest record to the office. The staff can note this in your file and may issue a new number. You can also file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation if the fraud is serious.

Replacing a damaged or worn license

If your license is faded, cracked, or the barcode no longer scans, you can replace it the same way as a lost or stolen one. Bring the damaged card with you so the office can destroy it. The process is identical—same fee, same documents, same temporary paper license.

A worn license that still scans and is readable usually does not need replacement, but if you want a fresh one, the office will issue it. Some people replace licenses that are straightforward old and faded for appearance, though this is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot do this by mail or through the website. However, you can renew a valid license online if it is not damaged and you have not changed your address or name.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

Call the Driver Services office before you go. If you have no recent mail or documents with your name and address, the staff can sometimes work with you using your vehicle registration or other ID. Some offices may ask you to bring a witness who can verify your address, though this is rare.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It works for driving and identification during that time. If your plastic card has not arrived by day 30, return to a Driver Services office and they can issue a new temporary while you wait for the card to arrive.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

Yes, unless you request a new number because your old license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud. In that case, tell the staff and they can issue a new number at no extra cost. Otherwise, your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date.

What if my address on file is wrong?

Tell the staff when you arrive for your replacement. They can update your address in the system at the same time, and your replacement card will be mailed to the new address. Bring proof of the new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).