What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To reinstate a suspended Tennessee driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHHS) suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or medical reasons — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out with a valid license; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.

The fastest way to learn what caused your suspension is to check your driving record online through the TDSHHS website or call the Driver Services Section at 615-251-8590. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Once you know the reason, you will know exactly what to do next — whether that means paying fines, completing a DUI program, or providing proof from another agency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out the specific reason your license was suspended before you can take any other step.
  • Different suspension reasons require different actions: unpaid fines need payment, DUI suspensions need program completion, and child support suspensions need proof of payment or arrangement from the Department of Human Services.
  • After you resolve the underlying issue, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $150 for most suspensions) and submit proof of resolution to TDSHHS.
  • You can complete most of the process by mail or online, but some situations require you to visit a Driver Services office in person.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you spend time or money, you need the actual reason. Call the TDSHHS Driver Services Section at 615-251-8590 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Tell them your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. They will tell you the suspension type and what you need to do to clear it.

If you prefer not to call, you can check your record online at the TDSHHS website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, or create an account if you do not have one. The online record will show the suspension reason and the date it took effect. Write down the exact reason — this matters because the next steps depend on it.

Keep this information handy. You will need to reference it when you contact the agency responsible for clearing the suspension (which might be the court, the Department of Human Services, or another body).

Resolve the Underlying Issue Based on Suspension Type

The action you take depends entirely on why the suspension happened. Here are the most common reasons and what to do for each:

Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the court's phone number on your citation or by calling the county clerk's office. Pay the full amount owed, or ask about a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. Ask the court to send written confirmation of payment to TDSHHS — some courts do this automatically, but confirm it.

Failure to appear in court: Contact the court listed on your citation or summons. You will likely need to appear before a judge to explain the missed appearance. The court may impose an additional fine or require you to reschedule your hearing. Once the court resolves the matter, ask them to notify TDSHHS that the suspension can be lifted.

DUI or DWI conviction: You must complete a DUI education program approved by the Tennessee Department of Health. Find an approved program through the TDSHHS website or by calling 615-251-8590. Programs typically cost between $200 and $400 and take one to three days. After completion, the program sends your certificate directly to TDSHHS. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee.

Child support arrears: Contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services, at 1-800-621-7818. They will tell you the amount owed and your options for payment or setting up an arrangement. Once you have paid or arranged payment, ask them to send written confirmation to TDSHHS that the suspension can be lifted.

Medical suspension: Contact your doctor or the medical professional who reported the concern. Work with them to resolve the medical issue or obtain clearance. Once cleared, your doctor will submit a form to TDSHHS confirming you are safe to drive.

Submit Proof of Resolution and Pay the Reinstatement Fee

After you have resolved the underlying issue, you need to notify TDSHHS and pay the reinstatement fee. The fee is currently $150 for most suspensions (some specialized suspensions may have different fees). You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card.

If the agency that cleared your suspension (the court, DUI program, or child support office) is supposed to notify TDSHHS automatically, wait five to seven business days before taking further action. Then check your driving record online to see if the suspension has been lifted. If it has not, contact TDSHHS directly.

If you need to submit proof yourself, mail the following to the TDSHHS Driver Services Section, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210:

  • A completed process for Reinstatement of Driver's License (Form DL 43), available on the TDSHHS website
  • Written proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (court receipt, DUI program certificate, child support payment confirmation, or medical clearance)
  • Payment for the $150 reinstatement fee (check or money order made payable to "State of Tennessee")
  • A copy of your driver's license, front and back

Include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number so TDSHHS can match your payment to your record. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Timeline and What Happens After You Submit

Processing time varies. If you submit by mail, allow 10 to 15 business days for TDSHHS to receive and process your materials. If you pay the reinstatement fee online through the TDSHHS website, the process can be faster — sometimes as little as 3 to 5 business days — but only if the underlying issue has already been cleared by the responsible agency.

Once your reinstatement is approved, TDSHHS will mail you a new driver's license to the address on file. Your license will be valid when ready upon approval, even if the physical card has not arrived yet. You can verify your reinstatement status by checking your driving record online or calling 615-251-8590.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at any Driver Services office. Bring your Social Security number or identification, proof of your address, and proof that your suspension has been cleared.

When You Need to Visit a Driver Services Office in Person

Most reinstatements can be handled by mail or online, but some situations require an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. You will need to visit in person if:

  • Your license has expired while it was suspended (you will need to renew it, not just reinstate it)
  • You need a temporary driving permit before your new license arrives
  • TDSHHS requests additional documentation or clarification that cannot be provided by mail
  • You want to change your address or other information on your license at the same time

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the TDSHHS website. Bring your Social Security number or current ID, proof of your address (utility bill or lease), and proof that the suspension has been cleared. Bring the reinstatement fee ($150) in cash, check, or card if you have not already paid it. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension stay on my record after it is lifted?

The suspension itself is removed from your active record once it is cleared, but the reason for the suspension remains part of your driving history. For example, a DUI conviction stays on your record for seven years in Tennessee. This affects insurance rates and future licensing decisions, but it does not prevent you from driving once the suspension is lifted.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until your reinstatement is approved before you drive. If you need to drive urgently, request a temporary driving permit at a Driver Services office once the underlying issue is resolved.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Contact the TDSHHS Driver Services Section at 615-251-8590 to ask about payment plan options. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this varies. You cannot legally drive until the fee is paid and the reinstatement is complete.

Do I need a new written test or driving test to get my license back?

Not for a standard reinstatement. You will not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has expired while suspended, in which case you will need to renew it through the normal process. A DUI suspension may require you to pass an additional written test about DUI laws, depending on the circumstances of your case.

What if the agency that cleared my suspension did not notify TDSHHS?

If more than a week has passed since you resolved the underlying issue and your suspension is still showing as active, contact TDSHHS directly. Bring written proof that the issue was resolved (receipt, certificate, or letter from the responsible agency). You may need to submit this proof yourself by mail or in person to complete the reinstatement.