If you are a driver who has a lost drivers license in Tennessee, then you should seek to replace documents through the TN Department of Safety immediately. Likewise, you will need a replacement drivers license if your card becomes damaged and the information is not legible or you cannot be identified by the photo. A mutilated driver’s license identification will not prevent law enforcement from writing you a ticket if you fail to produce a valid driver’s license. Acquiring a replacement credential is the only option for remaining within the confines of Tennessee law.

Fortunately, the process to replace drivers license in TN is fairly simple and inexpensive. There are several methods available to residents who are in Tennessee or temporarily living out of the state. To learn how to replace drivers license in Tennessee, continue reading below.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Tennessee?

A TN driver license replacement is required when current driving documents are lost or assumed stolen. Obtaining a new copy of your original drivers license is also necessary in the event a card becomes damaged enough to render the text illegible or the photo unrecognizable.

Additionally, if you promptly replace lost drivers license documents, you protect your own identity and prevent possible legal issues should your identification fall into the wrong hands.

How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Tennessee

Tennessee replacement drivers license is available to all drivers who apply for one in person. However, some Tennessee drivers may be eligible to get a drivers license copy online via the state’s website dedicated to online driver services.

Not all drivers will be eligible to use the online process. An individual can check eligibility through the Tennessee Department of Homeland Safety. If you find that you are not eligible to get a drivers license copy online, then it may be due to the fact that your license is expired, suspended, revoked or has been canceled.

To use the online method, you will need to enter the following information to use Tennessee online DMV services:

• Last name
• Date of Birth
• TN License/ID Number
• Social Security Number

How to Replace Your Tennessee Drivers License in Person

You can obtain a DMV duplicate license by appearing in person at a TN DMV service center if you are not eligible to apply online. The DMV clerks can show you how to replace drivers license in TN in person, and these services are typically completed fairly quickly.

When you get a copy in person, a new photo will be taken. When replacing credentials in person, be sure you bring appropriate proofs of identity.

When replacing drivers license in person at a TN DMV service center, applicants are required to provide proper identification. Replacement drivers license for an existing Tennessee drivers license or ID card requires two proofs of identification from either the primary identification list or the secondary identification list of accepted items detailed below.

Note: Applicants may only submit original or certified documents when applying, as the DMV cannot accept photocopies.

To get a complete list of primary and secondary identification documents for duplicate drivers license purposes, download one from the TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website or request a copy from your local DMV service center. Primary ID documents include the following:

• U.S. photo ID or drivers license or license from another country issued by a state or federal agency
• Birth certificate or adoption decree
• Marriage certificate or signed divorce decree showing the legal name change
• Military ID or a valid U.S. passport
• Certificate issued by US Citizenship or Immigration Services

Secondary identification needed to get copy of drivers license credentials includes, but is not limited to, a work ID card, bank or union account records, check stubs, Social Security and IRS documents, military records and health insurance ID cards. If you have questions regarding correct identification before heading to your drivers license replacement appointment, then you may contact the TN Department of Safety.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Tennessee

The question, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license?” quickly arises if you happen to lose your license while traveling or temporarily living out-of-state.

You may obtain a TN drivers license copy online if your license is currently valid and unexpired. If eligible, then you can get a copy of drivers license documentation temporarily by printing out a document that serves as legal proof of your driving status long enough to return home. This proof of application is valid for 20 days and will suffice in the event law enforcement requests to see driving credentials or proof of identification.

To find out if you are eligible to apply online, log onto the TN system and enter the requested information to learn your eligibility to use online DMV services.

Tennessee Drivers License Replacement Fees

You must also be prepared to pay the associated duplicate drivers license fees, which may vary according to how many times you have requested a license replacement in the past. The first-time fee is $8, which subsequent requests for a duplicate drivers license incur a fee of $12.

If you are planning on renewing your drivers license instead of requesting a copy with the same expiration date, then you will need to pay the renewal fees.

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