How to Get a Duplicate Driver's License in Tennessee

Getting a duplicate Tennessee driver's license

A duplicate driver's license in Tennessee is a replacement for a license you already have — either because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) handles all driver's license replacements. You can request a duplicate in person at any Driver Services Center, by mail, or online through the TDSHHS website, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it.

The fastest route is usually in person at a Driver Services Center, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. If you go by mail or online, expect to wait one to two weeks for your new license to arrive.

Key Takeaways

You can get a duplicate license in person at any Tennessee Driver Services Center, by mail, or online through the TDSHHS website.
In-person requests produce a temporary license on the spot and a permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of your Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
The fee for a duplicate license is $27 for a standard license or $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and request a police report number to include with your process.

What you need to bring to a Driver Services Center

Before you go in person, gather these documents. You will need a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license all work. You will also need proof that you live in Tennessee, such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. You will also need to know your current address and be ready to pay the fee in cash, debit card, or credit card.

Requesting a duplicate by mail

To request a duplicate by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver License form (Form DL 44) from the TDSHHS website or pick one up at any Driver Services Center. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason you need a duplicate (lost, stolen, or damaged).

Mail the completed form along with a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the form. Include a note if your license was stolen — the TDSHHS may ask you to provide a police report number. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You can track the status of your request on the TDSHHS website if you provide your driver's license number and date of birth.

Requesting a duplicate online

The TDSHHS website allows you to request a duplicate license online if your license is not expired and you have not had more than one duplicate issued in the past 12 months. Go to the TDSHHS Driver Services page and select the option to request a duplicate. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for the request.

You will pay the fee using a credit or debit card. After you submit your request, the TDSHHS will mail your new license to the address on file. This process also takes one to two weeks. If you need the license sooner, an in-person visit is your only option for a same-day temporary license.

In-person visits and temporary licenses

When you visit a Driver Services Center in person, you will check in, submit your documents, and pay the fee. A staff member will take a new photo for your license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within one to two weeks.

To find the Driver Services Center nearest you, use the location finder on the TDSHHS website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, as wait times vary by location and time of day.

Fees and payment methods

A duplicate driver's license costs $27 if you want a standard license or $32 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both types are valid for the same length of time as your original license.

At a Driver Services Center, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are requesting online, you must use a credit or debit card. Some Driver Services Centers may also accept other payment methods — call ahead to confirm.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report. While it is not required to get a duplicate, having a report number can help protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. Keep the report number and include it with your duplicate request if you are mailing or calling the TDSHHS.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is a separate step from getting a duplicate license but may be worth doing if your license contained sensitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate license if mine is expired?

No. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it instead of requesting a duplicate. Renewal requires a new vision test and may require updated documents. Visit the TDSHHS website or a Driver Services Center to learn about renewal options.

How long does a temporary license last?

A temporary paper license issued at a Driver Services Center is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before the temporary one expires. If it does not, contact the TDSHHS to check the status of your order.

What if I have had more than one duplicate in the past year?

You can still get a duplicate, but you will need to visit a Driver Services Center in person or mail your request. The online system will not allow you to request a second duplicate within 12 months. A staff member at the center can explain any restrictions that may explore to your situation.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate license for me?

If you request a duplicate by mail or online, it will be mailed to the address on file with the TDSHHS. You cannot pick it up at a Driver Services Center unless you requested it in person. If someone else needs to receive your mail, you can update your address on file before requesting the duplicate.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change when you visit in person. If you are mailing your request, include a copy of the document. The TDSHHS will issue your new license with your current legal name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.