How to check your Tennessee driver's license status
You can find out whether your Tennessee driver's license is suspended by checking directly with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH). The fastest way is to visit the TDSH website and use their online license status lookup tool, which shows your current status within seconds. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to search.
If you prefer not to search online, you can call the TDSH Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). A staff member can tell you your status over the phone and explain why your license was suspended if that has happened. You can also visit a TDSH office in person — there are locations across Tennessee — though calling ahead is usually faster than waiting in line.
When you contact TDSH, have your license number or Social Security number ready. If your license is suspended, the staff member will tell you the reason (such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition) and what you need to do to restore it.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security maintains all driver's license suspension records and can tell you your status online, by phone at 615-251-8590, or in person at any TDSH office.
- Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of traffic violations, and medical conditions reported by a doctor or the state.
- You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to look up your status, and the process takes less than five minutes online.
- If your license is suspended, TDSH will explain the specific reason and the steps required to restore it, which vary depending on why it was suspended.
Common reasons Tennessee suspends driver's licenses
Tennessee suspends licenses for several distinct reasons, and the cause determines how you restore your driving privileges. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you receive a traffic ticket and do not pay the fine by the due date, or if you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation, TDSH will suspend your license until the debt is resolved.
Accumulation of traffic violations also triggers suspension. Tennessee uses a point system: certain violations add points to your record, and if you accumulate too many points within a set time period, your license is suspended. For example, a reckless driving conviction adds 8 points, while a speeding ticket might add 3 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were driving.
Medical suspensions occur when a doctor reports to TDSH that you have a condition that makes driving unsafe, or when you fail a required medical examination. Suspension can also result from a DUI conviction, driving with a suspended license, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Some suspensions are also tied to child support arrears — if you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments, TDSH can suspend your license as a collection tool.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, the steps to restore it depend on the reason. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact amount and payment methods accepted. Many courts allow online payment, and some accept payment plans if you cannot pay in full when ready.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court, resolve the underlying case (which may mean appearing in court or resolving the charge), and then pay any fines or costs assessed. Once the court confirms the case is resolved, notify TDSH or request that the court send notice of resolution to TDSH directly.
For point-based suspensions, you cannot straightforward pay a fee to restore your license. Instead, you must wait out the suspension period, which is typically 30 days for a first suspension. During that time, you cannot drive legally. After the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement from TDSH. Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or pay a reinstatement fee (usually between $50 and $100) before your license is restored.
If your suspension is medical in nature, you must obtain medical clearance from a doctor and submit it to TDSH. The state will review the documentation and determine whether you can safely drive again.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
Tennessee charges a reinstatement fee to restore most suspended licenses, though the amount varies by the reason for suspension. A standard reinstatement fee is typically $50 to $100, payable to TDSH when you request reinstatement. Some suspensions do not require a fee — for example, if your license was suspended solely because of unpaid court costs and you have now paid them, reinstatement may be automatic once TDSH receives notice from the court.
In addition to any fee, you may be required to pass a written knowledge test or a driving skills test before your license is restored. This is common for suspensions related to traffic violations or unsafe driving. TDSH will tell you which tests, if any, explore to your situation when you contact them about reinstatement.
If your suspension was due to a DUI conviction, reinstatement requirements are more extensive. You may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, complete a substance abuse treatment program, and provide proof of these actions to TDSH before your license is restored. The specific requirements depend on whether it was your first DUI and other details of your case.
Driving with a suspended license in Tennessee
Driving while your license is suspended is a separate criminal offense in Tennessee. A first offense of driving with a suspended license is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within 5 years is a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, you will likely be cited and may be arrested. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face court costs in addition to any fine. The suspension will also be extended, meaning you cannot drive legally for even longer. If you need to drive during a suspension — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — contact TDSH about whether a restricted or hardship license is available in your situation.
Hardship and restricted licenses
Tennessee may issue a restricted or hardship license in some cases, allowing you to drive for specific purposes even while your license is suspended. A hardship license typically permits driving to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must show TDSH that you have a genuine need to drive and that you have no other reasonable transportation options.
To request a hardship license, contact TDSH and explain your situation. You will need to provide documentation of your need — such as a letter from your employer stating that you must drive to work, or medical records showing you need to drive to treatment. TDSH will review your request and decide whether to grant a hardship license. The process usually takes several business days to a week.
A hardship license is not a full restoration of your driving privileges. It is temporary and limited to the purposes TDSH approves. Once the underlying reason for your suspension is resolved, you can request full reinstatement of your regular license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Point-based suspensions typically last 30 days for a first offense. Suspensions due to unpaid fines last until you pay. DUI-related suspensions can last 6 months to several years depending on the circumstances. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, the suspension itself remains on your driving record, but you regain the right to drive.
Can I drive to the TDSH office to request reinstatement?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you are driving to the TDSH office. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or contact TDSH by phone or online to handle your reinstatement request without driving.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing before TDSH to challenge the suspension. Contact TDSH when ready to request a hearing and ask about the important date for filing. You will need to explain why you believe the suspension was improper. If TDSH made an error, the suspension can be lifted. If the suspension was correct, you will need to follow the standard reinstatement process.
Will my suspension affect my car insurance?
Yes. A suspended license is typically reported to insurance companies, and your rates will likely increase or your policy may be cancelled. Once your license is reinstated, inform your insurance company so they can update your record. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee with your insurer as well.
Can I get my license back early?
Early reinstatement is not usually possible, but it depends on the reason for suspension. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines and you pay them when ready, TDSH may reinstate your license faster than the standard timeline. For other suspensions, you must wait out the full suspension period. Contact TDSH to ask whether early reinstatement is an option in your specific case.