How to Get a Duplicate Tennessee Driver's License

What a duplicate Tennessee driver's license is and how to request one

A duplicate Tennessee driver's license is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You request one through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH), and they mail it to you. The process takes about two weeks from the time TDSH receives your request, though mail delivery can add a few days on either end.

You do not need to explain why you want a duplicate. TDSH issues them for lost licenses, damaged licenses, or straightforward because you want a backup. The fee is the same regardless of reason, and you keep your original license number.

Tennessee offers two ways to request a duplicate: by mail or in person at a Driver Services Center. Most people use mail because it is simpler and you do not have to take time off work, but the in-person route is faster if you need the license urgently.

Key Takeaways

You can request a duplicate by mail using Form DL 44 and a check or money order, or in person at any Driver Services Center with cash, check, or card.
Mail requests take about two weeks for TDSH to process, plus mail delivery time; in-person requests are usually ready the same day or within a few days.
Your duplicate will have the same license number and expiration date as your current license, so you do not lose any time on your renewal cycle.
You will need to prove your identity and Tennessee residency, using documents like a birth certificate, passport, or utility bill depending on which route you choose.

Requesting a duplicate by mail

To request by mail, read or print Form DL 44 from the TDSH website. Fill in your name, license number (if you know it), date of birth, and current address. You do not need to write an explanation — just submit the form.

Include a check or money order for the duplicate fee. As of 2024, the fee is $27.50, though you should verify the current amount on the TDSH website because fees can change. Make the check payable to "State of Tennessee."

Mail the form and payment to:

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services Division P.O. Box 945 Nashville, TN 37202

TDSH will process your request and mail your duplicate to the address on file with your current license. If your address has changed, update it before you mail the form, or call the Driver Services Division at 615-251-8590 to update it after you submit. Processing takes about two weeks; delivery adds another week or so depending on where you live.

Getting a duplicate in person at a Driver Services Center

If you need your duplicate faster, visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee. Bring your current license, a document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the $27.50 fee.

Walk in during business hours — no appointment is needed. A staff member will verify your identity, take your payment, and print your duplicate on the spot. You will walk out with your new license the same day in most cases, though some centers may need a day or two to mail it to you if their printer is down.

To find the Driver Services Center nearest you, use the location finder on the TDSH website. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Centers in larger cities tend to have shorter wait times during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays).

Documents you need for either method

For mail requests, you technically only need Form DL 44 and payment — TDSH already has your information on file. However, if your address has changed since your current license was issued, contact TDSH to update it first, or include a note with your form and a document proving your new address.

For in-person requests, bring three things: your current license, proof of identity, and proof of current address. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or another state's ID. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy.

If your current license is lost or too damaged to bring, you can still get a duplicate in person — just bring two forms of ID instead of your license plus one form of ID. Call the Driver Services Division at 615-251-8590 if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

What happens after you submit your request

TDSH will mail your duplicate to the address on your current license. If you moved and did not update your address, the duplicate will go to your old address and you will not receive it. That is why updating your address before you request is important.

Your duplicate will have the same license number and expiration date as your current license. You do not get a new expiration date, so if your current license expires in six months, your duplicate expires in six months too. When you renew, you will renew both at the same time (or just one if you have lost the other by then).

If your duplicate does not arrive within three weeks of mailing, or four weeks if you requested in person, contact the Driver Services Division. They can check the status of your request and remail it if needed.

Using your duplicate while you wait for it to arrive

If you lost your original license and need to drive before your duplicate arrives, you have limited options. Tennessee does not issue a temporary paper license. However, if you are stopped by police, you can show them your current license number and date of birth, and they can verify your license status in their system — though this depends on the officer's judgment.

For purposes like opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight, a duplicate license in the mail counts as "in process," but you will need to show proof that you requested it. Keep your receipt from your mail submission or your in-person transaction receipt.

If you need to drive and cannot wait, your only option is to renew your license early rather than request a duplicate. A renewal gives you a new physical license faster in some cases, though it costs more ($27.50 for a duplicate versus $70 for a renewal). Call the Driver Services Division to discuss which option makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. TDSH will not issue a duplicate if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying a fine, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Call the Driver Services Division to find out what you need to do.

What if I moved to Tennessee from another state and lost my old license?

You cannot get a duplicate of an out-of-state license in Tennessee. You will need to get a Tennessee license instead. Visit a Driver Services Center with proof of identity, proof of Tennessee residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The fee is $27.50 for a standard license.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate for me?

If you requested by mail, TDSH mails it to your address, so you do not need anyone to pick it up. If you requested in person and the center needs to mail it to you, ask the staff member whether a family member can pick it up on your behalf. Policies vary by location, so call ahead to check.

Will my duplicate have a different number than my current license?

No. A duplicate has the same license number as your current license. If you renew your license (rather than request a duplicate), you get a new number. That is one reason people request duplicates instead of renewing early — you keep your number and your expiration date stays the same.

What if the address on my license is wrong?

Update your address before you request a duplicate, because your duplicate will be mailed to whatever address is on file. You can update your address online through the TDSH website, by phone at 615-251-8590, or in person at a Driver Services Center. Once your address is updated, submit your duplicate request.

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.