Tennessee Issues Duplicate Licenses at the Driver Services Office
A duplicate driver's license in Tennessee is an exact copy of your current license issued by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You request it in person at any Driver Services office, bring your current valid license and proof of Tennessee residency, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you leave with your duplicate the same day.
Tennessee does not mail duplicate licenses. You must appear at a Driver Services office location during business hours. The office will photograph you again, even though your current license has a recent photo — this is standard procedure for any license reissue.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current valid license and proof of Tennessee residency to request a duplicate.
- The duplicate is issued the same day you explore, and you can use it when ready as a valid form of identification.
- The fee for a duplicate license varies by license type and remaining validity period, so confirm the exact amount when you call ahead.
- If your current license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get a duplicate — you must renew or resolve the suspension first.
What You Need to Bring to the Driver Services Office
Bring your current valid Tennessee driver's license. This is the primary document the office uses to verify your identity and pull your record. If your license is at home and you are requesting a duplicate because you lost it temporarily or want a backup, you will need to bring a different form of identification instead — a passport, state ID card, or military ID.
You also need proof of Tennessee residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Tennessee address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. The office will ask for it to verify your identity against state records.
Where to Find a Driver Services Office and Hours
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is located in Nashville, but you can visit any location statewide — you do not have to go to the office in your home county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
Find the office nearest you and confirm its hours on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Some locations require you to take a number when you arrive; others use a walk-in system. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth the effort, especially if you are traveling a distance.
The Fee and What Affects the Cost
The fee for a duplicate license depends on how long your current license is valid. If your license expires more than one year from the date you request the duplicate, the fee is lower than if it expires within one year. Fees also differ slightly between a regular driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL).
As of 2024, the fee for a duplicate regular license with more than one year of validity remaining is typically in the $15 to $20 range, but confirm the exact amount when you contact the office or visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. If your license expires soon, the office may recommend renewing instead of duplicating, which costs more but gives you a fresh validity period.
When You Cannot Get a Duplicate
If your license is suspended or revoked, the Driver Services office will not issue a duplicate. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or agency. Suspensions in Tennessee are often tied to unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or DUI convictions. Contact the office that suspended your license to learn what steps are required to restore it.
If your license has expired more than one year ago, you cannot get a duplicate — you must renew your license instead. Renewal requires passing a vision test and paying a higher fee. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still get a duplicate, though the office may suggest renewal depending on the expiration date.
Using Your Duplicate License as Identification
Your duplicate license is valid for identification purposes when ready after it is issued. Banks, employers, and government offices will accept it as proof of identity. TSA will accept it at airport security. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the duplicate is a valid license to drive.
The duplicate and your original license are both valid at the same time. If you later find your original license, you can keep both or destroy the original. There is no penalty for having two valid licenses issued under your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate license by mail or online?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot request a duplicate through the mail or online portal. The office must photograph you and verify your identity before issuing the duplicate.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?
Contact the Driver Services office ahead of time to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices may accept an older utility bill if you can provide a second document showing your current address, such as a recent piece of mail from a government agency. The office has some discretion in what counts as proof of residency.
How long does it take to get a duplicate license?
The duplicate is issued the same day you explore, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You walk out with the duplicate in hand. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.
Can I get a duplicate if my license is suspended for a DUI?
No. A suspension related to a DUI or any other reason prevents the office from issuing a duplicate. You must resolve the suspension first by completing the required steps, which may include paying fines, attending a safety course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Contact the court or the Driver Services office to learn what is required in your case.
What if my current license is damaged but still valid?
You can get a duplicate even if your current license is worn, faded, or slightly damaged. Bring the damaged license to the office along with your residency proof, and request a duplicate. The office will issue a new one with the same information and a new photo.