Tennessee requires you to contact the Driver License Section, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and complete any required court-ordered programs before your license can be reinstated
A suspended or revoked Tennessee driver's license is not automatically restored once your suspension period ends. You must take specific steps with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to get your driving privileges back. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to appear in court — and each reason has its own requirements and fees.
The first step is always to contact the Driver License Section directly to find out your specific reinstatement requirements. You cannot assume your suspension has ended just because time has passed. The state will not notify you automatically when you are may be able to access; you must initiate the process yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Driver License Section at 615-251-8590 or visit your local Driver Services office to learn your exact reinstatement requirements.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs related to the suspension before reinstatement is possible.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion of court-ordered programs, such as DUI education or defensive driving courses, before the state will restore your license.
- Reinstatement fees in Tennessee range from $50 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension, and you may need to provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for certain violations.
Why your Tennessee license was suspended
The reason your license was suspended determines what you must do to get it back. Tennessee suspends licenses for multiple reasons: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain required insurance after an at-fault accident.
Each suspension type has different reinstatement steps. A suspension for unpaid fines requires you to pay those fines plus a reinstatement fee. A suspension for points accumulation may require you to wait out a period and then pay a fee. A DUI suspension requires proof that you completed a substance abuse program, paid all fines and court costs, and obtained SR-22 insurance before you can drive again.
You can find your suspension reason by calling the Driver License Section or visiting a Driver Services office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Contacting the Tennessee Driver License Section
The Driver License Section handles all reinstatement requests. You can reach them by phone at 615-251-8590 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. You can also visit any Driver Services office in person — there are locations in most counties across Tennessee.
When you contact them, have the following information ready: your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number. Tell them you need to know your reinstatement requirements. They will tell you exactly what you owe, what programs you must complete, and what documents you need to bring or submit.
If you cannot reach the Driver License Section by phone, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website to find your local Driver Services office address and hours. Some offices accept walk-in visitors, while others require appointments.
Paying fines, fees, and court costs
Before your license can be reinstated, you must pay all outstanding fines and court costs related to your suspension. This money goes to the court that issued the citation or suspension order, not to the Driver License Section. You can pay through the court directly, by mail, online if the court offers it, or in person at the courthouse.
In addition to court fines, Tennessee charges a reinstatement fee. This fee ranges from $50 to $250 depending on the type of suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines typically costs $50 to reinstate. A DUI suspension costs $250. A suspension for points accumulation costs $100. The Driver License Section will tell you the exact fee when you call.
Keep proof of payment for all fines and fees. You will need to show this proof when you explore for reinstatement, either by mail or in person at a Driver Services office.
Court-ordered programs and SR-22 insurance
If your suspension was related to a DUI or DWI conviction, you must complete a substance abuse program before reinstatement. The court that convicted you will have ordered this program as part of your sentence. You cannot reinstate your license without proof of completion.
You must also obtain an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility required by Tennessee after a DUI conviction. This is not insurance itself — it is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have liability coverage. You cannot get an SR-22 without an active insurance policy. Contact your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. This typically costs $15 to $25 as a filing fee, though some companies include it at no extra charge.
For other types of suspensions, such as those for points accumulation or unpaid fines, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. The Driver License Section will tell you if this applies to your case. You can take defensive driving courses online or in person through approved providers in Tennessee.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fines and fees and completed any required programs, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: mail your request to the Driver License Section or visit a Driver Services office in person.
To reinstate by mail, send the following to the Driver License Section, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37249: your reinstatement fee (check or money order), proof of payment of all court fines and costs, proof of completion of any required programs, and a copy of your SR-22 form if applicable. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you are requesting reinstatement. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.
To reinstate in person, visit your local Driver Services office with the same documents. Bring your original driver's license if you still have it. Processing at the office is usually faster — you may receive your reinstated license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
What happens after you submit your request
The Driver License Section will review your reinstatement request and verify that you have met all requirements. This verification process takes 2 to 3 weeks if you mail your request, or a few days if you explore in person. During this time, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee, even if you believe you have met all requirements.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new driver's license in the mail if you applied by mail, or you can pick it up at the Driver Services office if you applied in person. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when it is issued.
If your request is denied, the Driver License Section will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment of fines, missing proof of program completion, or an error in your process. You can resubmit your request once you have corrected the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Driver License Section approves your reinstatement request and issues a new license. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Tennessee and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued your fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. Once you have a payment plan in place, the court may issue a letter confirming this, which you can submit to the Driver License Section along with your reinstatement request.
Do I need a new physical exam or vision test to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you will need to pass a vision test and may need a new photo when you reinstate. The Driver License Section will tell you if this applies to your situation.
How long does a DUI suspension last in Tennessee?
A first DUI offense results in a one-year suspension. A second offense within 10 years results in a two-year suspension. A third offense within 10 years results in a three-year suspension. These are minimum periods; you cannot reinstate before the suspension period ends, even if you complete all other requirements.
What if I moved out of Tennessee while my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Tennessee license by mail or by visiting a Driver Services office in person if you return to the state. You do not need to be a Tennessee resident to reinstate a Tennessee license, though you will need to provide a current mailing address for the Driver License Section to send your new license.