Replacing Lost Permit:
Tennessee Lost or Stolen Learner Permit: Replacement Steps and Temporary Driving Rules
Tennessee allows eligible drivers to request a duplicate license, permit, or ID through e-Services, and an in-person replacement option is also available. The best route depends on the transaction and whether your record or personal information needs additional review.
Where Do You Apply for a Tennessee Learner Permit Replacement?
Start with Tennessee Driver Services e-Services to check whether your permit is eligible for an online duplicate. The online replacement route requires the DD number shown on your credential. If you cannot provide it, visit a Driver Services Center.
| Replacement Route | Best For | What You Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Online duplicate | Eligible permit transaction with the credential's DD number available | Print the official confirmation. It serves as interim proof for 20 days from the transaction; the replacement card is mailed. |
| In-person duplicate | No DD number, or a transaction that Driver Services directs you to complete in person | An interim paper credential while the replacement is mailed; check its printed expiration date. Interim validity is up to 20 days. |
Should You Report a Stolen Tennessee Learner Permit to the Police?
Tennessee's published duplicate-permit instructions do not list a police report as a standard requirement for getting a replacement. If the permit was stolen and you are concerned about identity misuse, a police report may still be useful for documenting the theft. Official duplicate guidance: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/DL_Manual.pdf.
Can You Replace a Tennessee Learner Permit While Temporarily Outside Tennessee?
If e-Services offers a duplicate for your permit, you can request it while temporarily away. For an eligible online order, Tennessee allows a different mailing address, but your residential address must remain your Tennessee residence. If you cannot complete the online transaction, contact Driver Services about the required in-person step.
Documents to Bring for a Tennessee Learner Permit Replacement
If Tennessee directs you to complete the replacement in person, bring the documents requested for that transaction and surrender a damaged credential if you still have it.
When residency documents are required, Tennessee's normal current-residency standard generally uses documents dated within the last four months unless a listed exception applies.
How Much Does a Tennessee Learner Permit Replacement Cost
The duplicate instruction permit fee is $8.00. Partner County Clerk offices add a $4.00 statutory administrative fee, totaling $12.00. Credit card payments include a ~2.25% processing fee.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Duplicate permit (Driver Services Center) | $8.00 |
| County Clerk administrative fee | $4.00 |
| Credit card processing fee | ~2.25% |
Total cost: $8.00 to $12.18 depending on location and payment method. Always carry $15 cash as backup - Nashville DOSHS card readers are older models and occasionally fail mid-transaction.
How Long Does a Tennessee Learner Permit Replacement Take?
After an eligible duplicate transaction, Tennessee may provide interim proof while the permanent replacement is produced and mailed. The interim credential is valid for up to 20 days.
Mailing time can vary. See Processing Time for the status-check and missing-card steps.
Your Old Tennessee Permit After a Replacement Is Issued
Use the newly issued replacement as your current credential. If you find the old permit, contact Driver Services before using it or deciding how to dispose of it.
Can You Drive Legally While Waiting for Your Replacement Tennessee Permit?
You may drive only with a valid state-issued credential or interim document that authorizes you to drive under your permit restrictions. Tennessee's interim duplicate documentation is valid for up to 20 days; an online record or phone screenshot is not a substitute.
What if you lose the interim permit while waiting for the replacement card? Do not rely on a photo or screenshot as a substitute. Check e-Services or contact Driver Services for the replacement/status step that applies to your record before driving.
What If Your Tennessee Learner Permit Has Wrong Information
A lost permit and a permit with incorrect information are different issues. See Errors on Permit for name, date-of-birth, class, or other correction steps.
If only your address changed, Tennessee allows address updates online, at a kiosk, by mail, or in person. You do not need an in-person visit solely to update the address before requesting an eligible duplicate.
Do You Need to Schedule a Road Test After Getting Your Replacement?
Replacing the permit does not itself schedule or change a road test. See the road-test and waiting-period guides when you are ready to advance.
Common Tennessee Learner Permit Replacement Scenarios
Lost or stolen permit: Check e-Services first for an eligible online duplicate; use an in-person option when the transaction requires it.
Damaged permit: Request a duplicate and surrender the damaged credential if Tennessee asks for it during an in-person transaction.
Address changed: Update the address through an allowed channel - online, kiosk, mail, or in person - and then order the duplicate using the available replacement option.
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