Identification Cards in Tennessee

Tennessee Identification Cards

If you're a Tennessee resident without a driver's license, a Tennessee ID card can be used as an alternative form of identification to prove your identity and age.

On this page you'll find information on how you can apply for, renew, and replace a Tennessee identification card through the Driver Services Division of the Department of Safety (DOS).

Tennessee REAL IDs

The TN DDS issues federally-compliant REAL ID cards in addition to non-compliant identification cards. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard ID card will not after this date.

You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant identification card or upgrade to a REAL ID. For more detail, visit the DDS' guide to REAL IDs.

Types of ID Cards in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 2 types of ID cards for U.S. citizens.

Expiring Identification License

If you are a Tennessee resident without a driver's license, you can apply for an expiring identification license at any age.

  • If you are 18 years old or over, your expiring identification license will be valid for 8 years, and expire on your birthday when you turn an age divisible by 5 (e.g. 20, 25, 30, 35 years old, etc.).
  • If you are under 18 years old, your TN ID card will be valid for 2 years.
  • If you are 65 years old or older, your TN ID will not expire.

Permanent Identification License

If you are a Tennessee resident with a mental or physical disability, you can apply for a permanent identification license that does not expire.

Permanent ID licenses are free.

Apply for a TN Identification Card

To apply for an expiring or permanent Tennessee identification card, visit your local TN Driver Services Center in person. You cannot apply for an ID card online or by mail.

You will need to surrender any U.S. driver's licenses or ID cards you currently hold (including out-of-state cards) and bring:

  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and citizenship or legal U.S. presence.
    • TN residency (2 documents).
    • Social Security number.
  • Payment for your ID card fee.
    • See the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section below for fees and payment options.

Note: All documents must be originals or certified copies.

Minors

If you are under 18 years old or you're applying for your child, you will also need to bring a completed Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form (Form SF-0259) in addition to the documents above.

Tennessee ID Card Fees

Tennessee ID card fees vary depending on your age and the type of ID you are applying for.

TN Driver Service Centers accept cash, checks, money orders, MasterCard, VISA and Discover credit cards.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

The cost of your TN ID card will depend on how long it is valid for. The Tennessee Department of Safety will issue you an ID card that expires on your next birthday that is divisible by 5 (e.g. 20, 25, 30, 35 years old, etc.).

The standard cost for a new or renewed Tennessee expiring ID license is:

  • $5 for 2 years, if you're under 18 years old.
  • $12 for 8 years, if you're 18 years old or older.

A replacement expiring TN ID license will cost:

  • $8 for the first replacement.
  • $12 for each subsequent replacement.

NOTES:

  • If you're 65 years old or older, your TN ID card will not expire.
  • If you're physically or mentally disabled, your permanent TN ID license will be free and will not expire.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you're not a U.S. citizen, a temporary TN identification license will cost you $9.50 and will be valid for as long as you are legally allowed to stay in the U.S.

A replacement temporary TN ID card will cost you $19.50 for each replacement.

Renew Your TN ID Card

You can renew your Tennessee ID card online, in person, or by mail up to 12 months before it expires.

If you wish to upgrade to a REAL ID upon your renewal, you MUST do so in person and bring the required documents listed above.

NOTE: If your TN ID card expired more than 5 years ago, or if you are a non-U.S. citizen with a temporary identification license, you must renew your ID card in person. You cannot renew your temporary TN ID card online or by mail.

Online Renewal

To renew your identification card online, visit the Online Driver Services website.

You will need:

  • Your mailing address.
  • Your ID card number.
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
  • Payment by a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card (see the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section above).

Note: It can take up to 20 business days to get your new ID in the mail. You can use your printed online receipt as valid TN identification for 20 days after you renew online.

In-Person Renewal

To renew your ID card in person, bring it, along with payment for your renewal fee, to your local driver services office. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you'll also need to bring all required identity and residency documents.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen with a temporary TN ID card, you must renew your ID card in person at a TN Driver Service Center. You will need:

  • Your current TN identification card.
  • Proof of your legal presence in the U.S., such as your:
    • Foreign passport with a valid visa.
    • Conditional Resident Alien Card.
    • Employment Authorization Card.
  • Proof of your TN residency, such as a recent:
    • Utility bill.
    • Bank statement.
    • Rental or mortgage receipt.
      • Note: P.O. Boxes will not be accepted.
  • Payment. (See the “TN Identification Card Fees" section above for fees and payment options.)

The DOS provides lists of acceptable documents proving your legal presence and TN residency.

By-Mail Renewal

To renew your identification card by mail, you will find everything you need to know on the renewal notice mailed to you by the Department of Safety. If you did not receive a renewal notice contact the Department of Safety at

Replace Your Tennessee ID Card

You can replace your TN ID card in person or online if it was lost, stolen or damaged. If you are a non-U.S. citizen with a temporary ID card, you must order a replacement in person.

Note: If your Tennessee ID card expires in less than 6 months, you must renew it instead of replacing it (see the “Renew Your TN ID Card" section above).

If your Tennessee ID card expires within the next 12 months, you have the option to either renew it or replace it.

Online Replacement

To replace your TN ID card online, visit the TN Online Driver Services website.

You will need:

  • Your mailing address.
  • Your ID card number.
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
  • Payment by a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card (see the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section above).

Note: It will take up to 20 business days to receive your ID in the mail. You can use your printed replacement receipt as a valid ID for 20 days.

In-Person Replacement

To replace your TN ID card in person, visit your local Tennessee Driver Service Center and bring:

  • A primary document proving your identity, such as your:
    • Original or certified birth certificate.
    • Current foreign passport.
    • Non-immigrant Visa.
  • A secondary document proving your identity, such as your:
    • Health insurance card.
    • Social Security card.
    • Bank statement.
  • Payment for your replacement fee (see the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section above).

If you are a non-U.S. citizen replacing your temporary ID license, you will also need proof of your legal presence in the U.S., such as your:

  • Foreign passport with a valid Visa.
  • Conditional Resident Alien Card.
  • Employment Authorization Card.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation provides lists of acceptable documents to prove your identity and legal presence.

Out-of-State Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member based out of state, you can add a “Code 30" to your existing TN ID card to indicate that your card does not expire.

To request a “Code 30" on your TN ID card, you must provide:

  • Your full name and TN ID card number.
  • Copies of your military orders that verify you are based out of state.
  • A check or money order made out to the “Tennessee Department of Safety" for your replacement fee. (See the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section above.)
  • Your mailing address.
  • Your e-mail address.

The state has put together a military checklist to help you gather your documents and apply for your code. Send this form in with your paperwork when you submit.

Note: Military dependents cannot apply for a “Code 30."

Change Your Address or Name

Change Your Address

You must report an address change to the Tennessee DOS within 10 days.

You can update your address online, by e-mail, by mail, or in person.

Online

To change your address online, visit the DOS' online information change portal. You'll need:

  • Your ID card number.
  • Your last name.
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
  • Your date of birth.

By Mail

To change your address by e-mail or by mail, you'll need to provide your:

  • Full name.
  • Date of birth.
  • ID card number.
  • Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Old address.
  • New address.

Send the above information either:

  • By mail to:

Tennessee Department of Safety
1150 Foster Ave
Nashville, TN 37202

The TN Department of Safety will update your address within 15 business days.

In Person

To change your address in person, visit a TN DOS driver service center and complete a change of address form.

Note: Changing your address is free, but if you want your new address to appear on your Tennessee ID, you will need to apply and pay for a replacement ID card. (See the “Replace Your TN ID Card" section above.)

Change Your Name

To change your name, you must visit a TN Driver Service Center in person and bring:

  • Your current Tennessee ID.
  • Your legal name change documents, such as an original or a certified copy of your:
  • Payment for a replacement card (see the “Tennessee ID Card Fees" section above).

You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Forms

SF-1324
Social Security Number Affidavit
Submit this form to the DOS when applying for a Tennessee driver's license if you DO NOT have a U.S. Social Security number.
SF-0259
Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation
Use this form to instate OR cancel legal responsibility for a minor in the process of getting their Tennessee driver's license.
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