What you need to do to get a duplicate Tennessee driver's license
A duplicate driver's license in Tennessee is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You order it through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH), and it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $7.50, and you can request it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office.
The fastest route is the online request through the TDSH website, which takes about five minutes. If you go in person, bring your current license or a valid ID and cash or card. By mail, you'll need to send a completed form DL 43 with a check or money order.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's duplicate license costs $7.50 and arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- You can order online at the TDSH website without visiting an office, which is the fastest method.
- In-person requests at any Driver Services office are processed the same day if you bring valid ID and payment.
- By mail, send form DL 43 with a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
- Your duplicate license has the same number and expiration date as your original, so it works when ready upon arrival.
Ordering online through the TDSH website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the "Order a Duplicate License" option under Driver Services. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the state database.
After you submit the request, you'll pay the $7.50 fee by debit or credit card. The system will give you a confirmation number — save this. Your duplicate will be mailed to the address on file with your current license. If your address has changed since you got your current license, update it first through the TDSH website or at a Driver Services office, or your duplicate will go to the old address.
Getting a duplicate in person at a Driver Services office
Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office with your current license or another valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). Tell the clerk you want a duplicate. They'll take your payment of $7.50 in cash or card, print your duplicate on the spot, and hand it to you when ready.
No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend. Bring only what you need: your ID and payment. You don't need to fill out any forms — the clerk handles that.
Requesting a duplicate by mail
read form DL 43 from the TDSH website or call 615-251-8590 to request one by mail. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for $7.50 made out to "State of Tennessee." Do not send cash.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the form itself — this address changes based on which region you live in, so check the form before you mail it. Include a note with your phone number if you want TDSH to contact you with questions. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time in both directions.
What to do if your address has changed
If you've moved since your current license was issued, update your address before you order the duplicate. Go to the TDSH website and use the address change tool, or visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Once your address is updated in the system, order your duplicate. It will be mailed to your new address. If you order before updating your address, the duplicate goes to the old address on file, and you'll have to request a second duplicate with the correct address — which costs another $7.50.
When your duplicate arrives and what to do with it
Your duplicate license is valid the moment it arrives. It has the same license number, expiration date, and restrictions as your original. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose your original license served. There's no set up step or registration process.
Keep your duplicate in a safe place separate from your original. Many people keep one at home and carry the other. If you lose both, you'll need to replace your license through the standard replacement process, which requires proof of identity and residency and costs more than a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a duplicate license in Tennessee?
Online and mail orders take 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time. In-person requests at a Driver Services office are printed and handed to you the same day, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic.
Can I order a duplicate if my license is expired?
Yes. A duplicate is a copy of your current license, even if it's expired. However, if you want to drive legally, you'll need to renew your license instead, which is a separate process and costs more. A duplicate of an expired license is useful only for identification purposes.
What if I don't know my license number?
For online orders, you can look up your license number on the TDSH website if you have your Social Security number and date of birth. If you're ordering by mail or in person, bring any ID that shows your license number, or call TDSH at 615-251-8590 and they can look it up for you over the phone.
Can I get a duplicate mailed to a different address than what's on file?
No. The duplicate is mailed to the address registered with your current license. If you need it sent elsewhere, update your address first through the TDSH website or at a Driver Services office, then order the duplicate.
Do I need to bring anything to order a duplicate online?
No. You only need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll pay by debit or credit card. The entire process happens on the TDSH website without visiting an office or mailing anything.