How to Request 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 request it when you want a second physical card without renewing, which costs less than a renewal and takes less time. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) handles all duplicate requests, and you can submit one in person at a driver services center, by mail, or online through the TDSHHS website.
The process is straightforward because you are not changing anything on your license — no new photo, no address update, no medical information. TDSHHS straightforward prints another card with your existing information and mails it to you or gives it to you on the spot if you go in person.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs $7 in Tennessee and keeps your current license number and expiration date.
- You can request a duplicate online at tdlicense.tn.gov, by mail using the DL 44 form, or in person at any TDSHHS driver services center.
- In-person requests are processed when ready and you leave with the card the same day; mail and online requests typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current license number, date of birth, and proof of your current address if it differs from what is on your license.
- A duplicate is different from a renewal — it does not extend your license expiration date, update your photo, or reflect name or address changes.
Request a Duplicate License Online
The fastest way to request a duplicate is through the TDSHHS online portal at tdlicense.tn.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your personal information, choose mail delivery, and pay the $7 fee by debit or credit card. The entire process takes about five minutes.
After you submit your request online, TDSHHS mails your duplicate to the address on file with your current license. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of address — the system pulls your information from the existing license record.
If your address has changed since you last renewed your license, update it before requesting the duplicate. You can change your address on the same TDSHHS website, though address changes may require you to visit a driver services center in person depending on the type of change.
Request a Duplicate License by Mail
To request a duplicate by mail, read the DL 44 form from the TDSHHS website or pick one up at any driver services center. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for $7 made payable to "State of Tennessee" and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail requests take longer than online requests — typically 7 to 10 business days after TDSHHS receives your envelope, plus mail transit time in both directions. If you are in a hurry, this method is slower than going in person or requesting online.
Keep a copy of what you mail in case there is a question about your request. Mail can be lost, so if you do not receive your duplicate within two weeks, contact the TDSHHS driver services line at 615-741-3054 to check the status.
Request a Duplicate License in Person
Walk into any TDSHHS driver services center with your current license and a payment method (cash, debit card, or credit card). Tell the clerk you want a duplicate. They will scan your license, take a new photo if you want one (optional), and print your duplicate on the spot. The whole visit takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You leave with your duplicate license the same day. This is the fastest option if you need the card when ready — for example, if you lost your original and need a replacement right away for travel or identification.
Find your nearest driver services center on the TDSHHS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Centers are located in most counties, and hours vary by location. Some centers are busier than others, so calling ahead to check wait times can save you a trip.
What You Need to Bring or Provide
For any duplicate request method, you need your current Tennessee driver's license number and your date of birth. If you are requesting online, you enter these into the portal. If you are requesting by mail, you write them on the DL 44 form. If you are requesting in person, the clerk scans your license.
You also need proof of your current address if the address on your license is outdated. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your address matches your license, you do not need to bring anything else.
For payment, have $7 ready. Online and in-person requests take debit or credit cards. Mail requests require a check or money order.
When a Duplicate Is Not the Right Option
If your license is expired or will expire within the next few months, a duplicate does not help because it carries the same expiration date as your current license. You need a renewal instead, which costs more but gives you a new expiration date and a new photo.
If your name, address, or other information on your license has changed, you cannot request a duplicate — you must renew. A duplicate is an exact copy, so it only works when everything on your license is still correct.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot request a duplicate. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with TDSHHS before you can get any new license card.
Duplicate License Fees and Processing Times
The fee for a duplicate driver's license in Tennessee is $7, regardless of whether you request it online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees or hidden charges.
| Request Method | Processing Time | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 7–10 business days | Mailed to your address |
| By Mail | 7–10 business days after receipt | Mailed to your address |
| In Person | 10–15 minutes | Same day |
In-person requests are the only option if you need your duplicate the same day. Online and mail requests both take about a week to 10 days, but online is faster because you do not have to account for mail transit time to TDSHHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a duplicate if my license is suspended?
No. You cannot get a duplicate, renewal, or any new license card while your license is under suspension or revocation. You must resolve the suspension with TDSHHS first, which usually means paying fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the department.
Will a duplicate have a new photo?
No. A duplicate uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew your license instead. When you renew, TDSHHS takes a fresh photo and issues a new card with a new expiration date.
What if I lost my license and need a duplicate mailed to a different address?
You can update your address on the TDSHHS website before requesting the duplicate online, or you can call the driver services line at 615-741-3054 to update it over the phone. Once your address is changed in the system, your duplicate will mail to the new address.
How long does a duplicate license take if I request it online?
Online requests are processed within 7 to 10 business days, and then TDSHHS mails the card to you. Total time from request to delivery is usually 10 to 14 days depending on mail speed. If you need it faster, request it in person at a driver services center.
Can I request a duplicate if my name has changed?
No. A duplicate is an exact copy of your current license, so it cannot reflect a name change. You must renew your license and provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.