What a Tennessee driver's license record contains and where to request it
Your Tennessee driver's license record is a document that shows your driving history — the violations, accidents, and suspensions tied to your license number. It includes traffic citations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and any points assessed against your record. You can request this record from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which maintains all driver records in the state.
You have two ways to get your record: order it online through the state's official system, or request it by mail. The online method is faster and costs less. Both routes send you an official copy that you can use for insurance purposes, employment background checks, or your own records.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee driver's license records show your traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and points, and are maintained by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- You can order your record online through the state's official website for $7, or by mail for $10, and the online version arrives in one to three business days.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to order online.
- Your record is considered public information, so anyone with your license number and date of birth can request it — you do not need to be the license holder.
How to order your record online
The fastest way to get your Tennessee driver's license record is through the state's online ordering system. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the driver records section. You will see an option to order a driving record online.
Click that option and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your record. Pay the $7 fee using a credit or debit card. Your record will be emailed to you as a PDF within one to three business days, and you can print it when ready or save it to your computer.
This method works if you have a current or expired Tennessee license. If your license was issued in another state, you cannot use this system — you will need to contact that state's licensing authority instead.
Ordering by mail if you prefer not to go online
If you do not want to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the driver record request form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call their records office to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your driver's license number, date of birth, and current mailing address.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $10 to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the state can mail your record back to you. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the state receives your request, so this method is slower than ordering online.
Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you do not receive your record within four weeks, contact the department's records office to confirm they received your request.
What information you need before you order
Before you start either the online or mail process, gather these details: your Tennessee driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have your license number memorized, check a physical copy of your license or an old insurance document that lists it.
If you have lost your license number and cannot find it anywhere, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security directly. They can look up your number using your name and date of birth, though this adds time to the process. Have your current mailing address ready as well, since that is where your record will be sent if you order by mail.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your Tennessee driver's license record shows every traffic violation you have received while holding a Tennessee license, including speeding, reckless driving, and seat belt violations. It also lists at-fault accidents you were involved in, any license suspensions or revocations, and points that have been assessed. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — minor violations may drop off after three years, while more serious ones stay longer.
The record does not include arrests or criminal charges unless they directly resulted in a license suspension. It also does not show insurance claims or accidents where you were not at fault. If you see something on your record that you believe is wrong — a violation you did not receive, or an accident listed incorrectly — you can dispute it by contacting the department directly with documentation.
Who can request your record and privacy considerations
Tennessee driver's license records are considered public information. This means anyone who has your driver's license number and date of birth can request your record — you do not have to be the license holder. Insurance companies, employers, and other third parties can order your record without your permission if they have those two pieces of information.
If you are concerned about who might be accessing your record, you cannot prevent others from ordering it, but you can check your own record regularly to make sure the information is accurate. If you notice unauthorized requests or suspicious activity, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to report it.
Using your record for insurance or employment
Insurance companies often request your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or when your policy renews. They use it to assess your risk as a driver and determine your rates. If you have violations or accidents on your record, your premiums may be higher. Some employers also request driving records for jobs that involve driving, such as delivery, rideshare, or commercial driving positions.
When you order your record, you will receive an official document with the state seal that you can provide directly to an insurance company or employer. This is the same document they would receive if they ordered it themselves. Having a copy on hand means you can provide it when ready instead of waiting for them to request it from the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Tennessee driving record?
Most traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. More serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, may remain for longer — sometimes five to seven years. Accidents typically stay on your record for three to five years. The exact length depends on the type of violation and whether you were at fault.
Can I get my record if my license was suspended or revoked?
Yes. Your record is still maintained by the state even if your license is not currently valid. You can order it using your license number and date of birth. The record will show the suspension or revocation and the reason for it.
What if I need my record urgently and cannot wait for mail delivery?
Order online — it is the fastest option and your record will arrive by email within one to three business days. You can print it when ready and use it right away. If you need it the same day, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to ask if they offer in-person pickup at any of their offices.
Will ordering my own record affect my driving record or show up anywhere?
No. Ordering your own record does not change anything on it or create any kind of flag. It is a routine request and does not affect your license status, insurance rates, or anything else. You can order your record as many times as you want.
What do I do if my record has incorrect information on it?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with documentation of the error — such as a court dismissal letter, proof you were not at fault in an accident, or a citation that was dismissed. They will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.