What You Need to Do to Get a Duplicate License in Tennessee

To get a duplicate Tennessee driver's license, you visit your local Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee (usually $27 for a standard license), and wait while they issue it on the spot. You cannot order a duplicate by mail or online — Tennessee requires you to appear in person and have your photo taken again. Most offices issue the duplicate the same day you explore.

A duplicate is a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original. You need one if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was suspended or revoked, a duplicate will not restore your driving privileges — you must handle that suspension or revocation separately through the court or the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Driver Services office in person; there is no mail or online option for a duplicate license.
  • Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The fee is $27 for a standard duplicate license, and you will receive it the same day in most cases.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, getting a duplicate will not restore your right to drive — you must resolve the suspension first.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and request a new number instead of a duplicate with the same number.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring one valid photo ID issued by a government agency. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, call your local Driver Services office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document, voter registration card) also counts. The address on this document must match the address you want on your new license.

If you are a Tennessee resident but do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring that letter along with your other documents.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or zip code, and the site will show you the office address, hours, and phone number. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.

Walk in during business hours with your documents. Tell the clerk you need a duplicate license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the $27 fee at the counter, and they will hand you your new license before you leave.

If the office finds a problem with your documents (for example, your address proof is too old), they will tell you what you need to fix and send you home. You can come back once you have the right documents.

Cost and Payment Methods

A duplicate Tennessee driver's license costs $27. This is the standard fee for a regular plastic license. Some offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but not all — call ahead if you want to know what payment methods your local office takes.

If you need your duplicate faster than the same-day service, Tennessee does not offer expedited processing. The standard service is the only option, and it happens while you wait.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you have two choices: get a duplicate with the same license number, or request a new number. A duplicate is faster and costs the same ($27). A new number takes longer because the office has to generate a new one and update the state system.

Getting a new number makes sense if you are worried about identity theft or if someone might use your old number fraudulently. If you just want to drive again and do not have those concerns, a duplicate is the simpler path. You can report the theft to local police for your records, but it is not required to get a duplicate.

What a Duplicate Will Not Do

A duplicate license restores the physical card you lost or damaged, but it does not restore driving privileges you lost. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support, getting a duplicate will not let you drive. You must resolve the underlying issue first — pay the tickets, complete a DUI program, or handle the child support — and then request that the suspension be lifted.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 or check the status online through their website. They can tell you whether your license is valid or suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate license if I have an outstanding warrant or court case?

A duplicate license is a replacement of your existing license, not a new one, so a warrant or court case does not prevent you from getting it. However, if your license is suspended because of that warrant or case, the duplicate will also be suspended. Resolve the court issue first, then get your duplicate.

What if I moved and my address on the license is wrong?

A duplicate keeps your old address. If you need to update your address, you must renew your license instead of getting a duplicate. Renewal costs more and takes longer, but it gives you a new license with your current address. You can renew at the same Driver Services office.

How long does a duplicate license last?

A duplicate license expires on the same date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your duplicate will also expire in 2027. You do not get extra time just because you are replacing it.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate license for me?

No. Tennessee requires you to be present in person to have your photo taken. You must go to the Driver Services office yourself.

What if the office says I cannot get a duplicate because of a hold on my record?

A hold usually means there is a suspension, revocation, or court order attached to your license. Call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 to find out what the hold is and how to remove it. Once it is cleared, you can go back and get your duplicate.