Check your license status through the Tennessee DMV website or by phone
You can find out whether your Tennessee driver's license is suspended in about five minutes using the state's online license status tool. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs a public lookup system where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and it tells you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can call the Tennessee Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). A representative can look up your status over the phone and explain why your license was suspended if that applies to you.
A third option is to visit a Driver Services office in person. You'll find locations in every county. Bring your driver's license or another form of ID, and staff can print out your current status on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee DMV website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see your status when ready.
- You can also call 615-251-8590 during business hours to have a representative look up your license status by phone.
- Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspensions.
- If your license is suspended, the notice you received in the mail explains the reason and what steps you need to take to restore it.
- Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
What the online lookup tool shows you
When you use the Tennessee DMV's online status checker, you'll see one of four outcomes: valid, suspended, revoked, or no record found. A valid license means your license is current and you can legally drive. A suspended license means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away for a specific reason, and you may be able to restore them by addressing that reason.
A revoked license is different from suspended — it means your license has been permanently canceled and you cannot drive legally in Tennessee. You would need to reapply for a new license through the full process process, which includes a written test and driving test.
If the system shows "no record found," it usually means you entered your information incorrectly. Double-check your license number and birth date, then try again. If you still get no result, call the Driver Services office to confirm your information is in the system.
Common reasons Tennessee suspends driver's licenses
The most frequent cause of suspension is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and didn't pay the fine or didn't show up for your court date, the court reports this to the DMV and your license gets suspended automatically.
Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe back child support payments, the state child support enforcement office can request that the DMV suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you bring your payments current or set up a payment plan.
Medical suspensions happen when a doctor reports to the DMV that you have a condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive — for example, a seizure disorder or severe vision loss. You can sometimes restore a medically suspended license by getting a doctor's clearance and submitting it to the DMV.
Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record from traffic violations, driving under the influence convictions, failure to maintain insurance, and not paying vehicle registration fees.
What to do if your license is suspended
The first step is to find out the specific reason. When the DMV suspends your license, they mail you a notice that explains why and what you need to do to restore it. If you didn't receive this notice or can't find it, call 615-251-8590 and ask them to tell you the reason over the phone.
Once you know the reason, take the action required to lift the suspension. If it's unpaid fines, you'll need to pay the court or contact the court about a payment plan. If it's child support, contact your local child support office. If it's a medical suspension, get a letter from your doctor and submit it to the DMV along with the form they sent you.
After you've addressed the reason for suspension, you may need to file paperwork with the DMV to formally restore your license. Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved, but others require you to submit a reinstatement request. The notice you received will specify which applies to you.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. A suspension for unpaid fines usually lasts until you pay what you owe. A suspension for accumulating too many traffic violations typically lasts three to twelve months, depending on how many points you accumulated and how serious the violations were.
A suspension for driving under the influence lasts a minimum of one year for a first offense, and longer for repeat offenses. A medical suspension lasts until you provide medical clearance. Child support suspensions remain in place until your account is brought current or you enter a payment agreement.
Some suspensions are indefinite, meaning they stay active until you take specific action. For example, if your license was suspended because you didn't show up for a court date, it stays suspended until you resolve that court case.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Tennessee. If you're stopped by police, you can be arrested, and the officer will likely impound your vehicle. You'll face criminal charges, which can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 for a first offense, jail time of up to 30 days, or both.
A conviction for driving on a suspended license also extends your suspension period. The court can add additional months or even years to your suspension as part of your sentence. This means one decision to drive while suspended can turn a three-month suspension into a year-long one.
If you need to drive while your license is suspended, some suspensions allow you to request a restricted license that permits you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask the DMV whether a restricted license is available for your type of suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No, the online lookup tool requires your own license number and date of birth. The DMV does not release license status information about other people to protect privacy. If you need to know about another person's license status, they will need to check it themselves or give you written permission to inquire on their behalf.
What if I lost my license number?
You can still call the Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 and provide your name and date of birth. They can look up your license number and check your status. You can also visit a Driver Services office in person with a photo ID, and they'll look it up for you.
Does a suspended license show up on a background check?
A suspended license is a public record and may appear on background checks depending on what the check includes. Employers, landlords, and insurance companies may see it. Some suspensions are more visible than others — for example, a suspension for unpaid fines is a civil matter, while a suspension for DUI is a criminal matter and more likely to appear on employment background checks.
How do I restore my license after suspension?
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. You'll find these steps in the notice the DMV mailed you. Generally, you address the underlying reason (pay fines, resolve child support, get medical clearance), then contact the DMV or file a reinstatement request. Some suspensions lift automatically once the reason is resolved; others require you to formally request reinstatement.
Can I get a temporary license while mine is suspended?
You cannot get a temporary license while your license is suspended. However, you may be able to request a restricted license that allows you to drive for specific purposes like work or medical treatment. Call the Driver Services office to ask whether a restricted license is available for your suspension type.