What happens when your Tennessee license is suspended
A suspended license in Tennessee means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The suspension stays on your record until you complete whatever requirement caused it — paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, paying child support arrears, or resolving a medical condition — and then you request reinstatement through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH).
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions clear automatically once you meet the requirement; others require you to file paperwork and pay a reinstatement fee. Tennessee does not reinstate licenses on its own, even after the suspension period ends.
The TDSH driver services office handles reinstatement requests. You can start the process online, by mail, or in person at a driver services center. Most people find out their suspension reason by checking their TDSH record or calling the driver services line at 615-251-8590.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee suspensions do not lift automatically; you must request reinstatement after meeting the requirement that caused the suspension.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions, though some suspension types have different fees or no fee at all.
- You can request reinstatement online through the TDSH website, by mail with a completed form, or in person at a driver services center.
- The TDSH driver services line (615-251-8590) can tell you the reason for your suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the suspension reason. Tennessee suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported by a physician, failure to pay vehicle registration fees, or accumulation of traffic violations.
Call the TDSH driver services line at 615-251-8590 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
You can also check your driving record online through the TDSH website. You will need to create an account and pay a small fee (usually $7 to $10) to view your record, but this shows suspension status and sometimes the reason. If the online record does not explain the suspension clearly, call the driver services line for details.
Clearing the suspension requirement
Once you know the reason, you must resolve it before reinstatement is possible. The action you take depends on the suspension type.
If your suspension is due to an unpaid traffic fine or court cost, pay the amount owed to the court or collection agency listed in your suspension notice. If you received a notice in the mail, it will show where to send payment. If you lost the notice, call the court that issued the ticket or call the TDSH driver services line to find the correct payment address.
If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, contact the court listed in your suspension notice and resolve the case. This may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or both. Once the court case is resolved, the court will notify TDSH, but you still need to request reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Tennessee Child Support Services office or the collection agency handling your case. Once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan, the child support office will notify TDSH. You will then need to request reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to a medical condition, you must obtain a medical clearance from a physician and submit it to TDSH. The form required is the "Medical Evaluation Form" (available on the TDSH website). Your doctor completes the form, and you submit it to TDSH before requesting reinstatement.
Requesting reinstatement online or by mail
Once you have cleared the suspension requirement, you can request reinstatement. The fastest method is online through the TDSH website. Go to the driver services section, select "Reinstatement," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee.
If you prefer to request reinstatement by mail, read the "process for Reinstatement of Driver License" form from the TDSH website or request it by calling 615-251-8590. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (made payable to "State of Tennessee"), and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days after TDSH receives your request.
Keep a copy of your mailed process and the receipt or confirmation number if you pay online. You will need proof of your reinstatement request if you are stopped by police before your license is officially reinstated.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
The standard reinstatement fee in Tennessee is $100. Some suspension types have different fees: medical suspensions may have no fee, and certain administrative suspensions may cost $50. The TDSH driver services line can tell you the exact fee for your suspension type.
The reinstatement fee covers the administrative cost of lifting the suspension and restoring your driving privileges. It does not cover any underlying fines, court costs, or child support arrears — those must be paid separately to the court or collection agency.
Payment methods vary by how you request reinstatement. Online requests accept credit and debit cards. Mail requests require a check or money order. In-person requests at a driver services center accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Reinstatement in person at a driver services center
You can also request reinstatement by visiting a TDSH driver services center in person. Bring your driver's license (or state ID if your license is suspended), proof that you cleared the suspension requirement (such as a court receipt, child support clearance letter, or medical form), and payment for the reinstatement fee.
Driver services centers are located in most Tennessee counties. Find the center nearest you on the TDSH website by entering your county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some centers have extended hours or Saturday hours; check the website for your specific location.
In-person reinstatement is usually processed the same day, and you will receive a temporary driving permit that is valid until your new license arrives by mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your suspension was due to a medical condition
Medical suspensions require an extra step. TDSH suspends licenses when a physician reports a medical condition that may affect driving safety — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or loss of consciousness.
To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must obtain a completed "Medical Evaluation Form" from a licensed physician. The form asks the doctor to assess whether you are safe to drive. Your doctor completes the form and you submit it to TDSH before requesting reinstatement.
You can submit the medical form by mail, online through the TDSH website, or in person at a driver services center. TDSH reviews the form and notifies you whether reinstatement is approved. If approved, you can then request reinstatement (usually with no additional fee for medical suspensions). If TDSH denies reinstatement based on the medical evaluation, you have the right to request a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Tennessee, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you requested reinstatement (such as a confirmation number or receipt), but this does not give you legal permission to drive. If you need to drive before reinstatement is complete, you must obtain a temporary driving permit from a driver services center.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online and in-person reinstatement requests are usually processed within 24 hours. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after TDSH receives your process. Once reinstatement is approved, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person reinstatement gives you a temporary permit the same day.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Tennessee does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those amounts with the court or child support office. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can request reinstatement. Contact the court or child support office to discuss your options.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my reinstatement is pending?
Yes. Visit a driver services center and request a temporary driving permit. You will need to show proof that you have cleared the suspension requirement and pay a small fee (usually $5 to $10). The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your reinstatement request is being processed.
What if I moved out of Tennessee after my license was suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail or online, even if you no longer live in Tennessee. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you now live in another state and want to obtain a license there, you will need to clear your Tennessee suspension first, then follow that state's procedures for obtaining a new license.