What You Need to Know About Tennessee Duplicate Licenses

A duplicate driver's license in Tennessee is an exact replacement of your current license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. You order it through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), and it arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $7.00, and you do not need to visit a driver's license office in person.

This process is different from renewing your license or replacing one that is damaged or unreadable. A duplicate keeps everything the same; you are straightforward getting a second copy of an active license. If your license has been lost or stolen, a duplicate is the fastest way to get a valid ID without taking a new photo or retesting.

Tennessee allows you to order a duplicate online, by mail, or in person at any TDOSHS office. The online method is the quickest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a duplicate Tennessee driver's license online at tdoshs.tn.gov without visiting an office, and it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
  • The duplicate fee is $7.00 and must be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you order online.
  • Your duplicate license will have the same number, photo, and expiration date as your current license.
  • If your license is damaged, unreadable, or the information is incorrect, you may need a replacement instead of a duplicate, which has different requirements.
  • You can also order by mail or in person at a TDOSHS office if you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online.

Ordering a Duplicate License Online

The online method is the most direct route. Go to the TDOSHS website and select "Order a Duplicate License." You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.

After verification, you will be asked to confirm your mailing address. Make sure the address is correct—your duplicate will be sent there. You then pay the $7.00 fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number; you can use it to track your duplicate as it moves through the mail.

Processing time is 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your order. This does not include mail delivery time. Depending on where you live in Tennessee, add 2 to 5 additional days for the license to arrive at your address. If you need the license faster, the online method will not meet that need—you will have to visit an office in person.

Ordering by Mail or In Person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to order by mail, you can send a written request to TDOSHS. Include a check or money order for $7.00 made payable to "State of Tennessee," your full name, date of birth, current driver's license number, and your mailing address. Mail this to the TDOSHS Driver Services office address listed on the TDOSHS website.

Mail orders take longer than online orders. You should expect 2 to 3 weeks from the date TDOSHS receives your letter, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you are in a hurry, this method is not practical.

You can also walk into any TDOSHS driver's license office and request a duplicate in person. Bring your current driver's license, pay the $7.00 fee in cash or card, and you will receive your duplicate on the spot. This is the only method that gives you the license when ready. However, you must visit during office hours, and wait times vary by location.

What Happens If Your License Is Damaged or Has Wrong Information

A duplicate is only for licenses that are still valid and have correct information printed on them. If your license is worn, faded, or unreadable, or if the name, address, or other details are wrong, you need a replacement, not a duplicate. A replacement requires a new photo and costs more than $7.00.

To know which one you need, ask yourself: Is the license still valid (not expired), and is all the information on it correct? If yes to both, order a duplicate. If the license is damaged, unreadable, or the information is wrong, contact TDOSHS to find out whether you need a replacement or a corrected license.

Fees and Payment Methods

The duplicate license fee in Tennessee is $7.00. This is a flat fee regardless of how you order—online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional charges or hidden fees.

Online payment accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and electronic checks. If you order by mail, send a check or money order. If you order in person, most offices accept cash and cards, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you are ordering by mail and do not have a check or money order, visit an office in person instead.

Tracking Your Duplicate and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive

When you order online, you receive a confirmation number. Use this number on the TDOSHS website to check the status of your order. The status will show whether your duplicate is being processed, has been mailed, or is out for delivery.

If your duplicate does not arrive within 12 business days of ordering, contact TDOSHS. Have your confirmation number ready. TDOSHS can check whether the license was mailed and, if so, whether it was returned as undeliverable. If the address on file is wrong, you may need to reorder with the correct address.

If your duplicate arrives damaged or unreadable, you can order another duplicate at no additional cost. Contact TDOSHS with your confirmation number and explain the damage. They will send a replacement without charging you again.

Using Your Duplicate While You Wait

While your duplicate is in the mail, your original license is still valid. You can continue to use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose. A duplicate does not invalidate your current license; both are active at the same time.

If your original license was lost or stolen and you have already reported it to police, you may want to carry the police report number with you until your duplicate arrives. Some businesses or law enforcement may ask for proof that you reported the loss, especially if you are using an ID that is no longer in your possession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a duplicate if my license is expired?

No. A duplicate is only for valid, current licenses. If your license has expired, you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a new photo and a visit to a TDOSHS office. Contact TDOSHS or visit their website to start the renewal process.

How long does a duplicate license take if I order online?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days, plus mail delivery time. In most cases, you will have your duplicate within 2 to 3 weeks of ordering. If you need it faster, visit a TDOSHS office in person to get one the same day.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Update your address with TDOSHS before ordering a duplicate. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a TDOSHS office. Once your address is corrected, order your duplicate. If you order with an old address by mistake, contact TDOSHS with your confirmation number and ask them to update it before the license is mailed.

Can I order a duplicate for someone else?

No. Only the license holder can order a duplicate. The online system requires the license number and date of birth to verify identity. If someone else needs a duplicate, they must order it themselves or visit an office in person with their license.

Is there a way to get a duplicate faster than 7 to 10 days?

Yes. Visit any TDOSHS driver's license office in person with your current license and $7.00. You will receive your duplicate when ready. This is the only method that does not require waiting for mail delivery.