Tennessee reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate a suspended Tennessee driver's license ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears costs $100. A suspension for a DUI conviction costs $250. A suspension for accumulating too many points costs $150. If your license was suspended for multiple reasons, you pay the fee for each one.

You cannot straightforward pay the fee and get your license back. You must first resolve the underlying reason for suspension — pay the fines, complete a DUI education program, or wait out a mandatory suspension period — before the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will process your reinstatement request.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Tennessee range from $100 to $500 and vary by the reason your license was suspended.
  • You must resolve the cause of suspension before paying the reinstatement fee; paying the fee alone will not restore your driving privileges.
  • You can pay the reinstatement fee in person at a Driver Services Center, by mail, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the department receives your payment and confirms the suspension cause has been resolved.

Suspension reasons and their reinstatement costs

Tennessee groups suspensions into categories, and each has a set fee. A suspension for unpaid traffic citations or child support obligations costs $100 to reinstate. A suspension for a DUI or DWI conviction costs $250. A suspension for accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months costs $150. A suspension for refusing a breath or blood test costs $250. A suspension for driving with a suspended license costs $200.

If your license was suspended for more than one reason — for example, unpaid fines and a DUI — you pay the reinstatement fee for each suspension. The department will not lift one suspension without addressing all of them. You can resolve them in any order, but your license will not be restored until every suspension is cleared and every associated fee is paid.

What you must do before paying the reinstatement fee

The reinstatement fee covers the administrative cost of processing your request, not the underlying violation. Before you can pay it, you must satisfy the condition that triggered the suspension in the first place.

If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines to the court that issued the citation. If it was suspended for child support arrears, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it was suspended for a DUI, you must complete a DUI education program approved by the state and provide proof to the department. If it was suspended for accumulating points, you may need to wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can reinstate — the length varies by your driving record.

Once you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to confirm the suspension can be lifted. They will tell you whether you are ready to pay the reinstatement fee.

How to pay the reinstatement fee

Tennessee offers three ways to pay the reinstatement fee. You can pay in person at any Driver Services Center during business hours. You can mail a check or money order to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37249. You can also pay online through the department's website using a credit or debit card; the website charges a processing fee of approximately $1.50 in addition to the reinstatement fee.

When you pay by mail or online, include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so the department can match your payment to your record. If you pay in person, bring your driver's license or a form of identification and be prepared to wait in line during peak hours.

Timeline for reinstatement after payment

After the Tennessee Department of Safety receives your reinstatement fee payment, processing typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, the department verifies that the suspension cause has been resolved and that all fees have been paid. Once processing is complete, your driving privileges are restored and you can legally drive in Tennessee.

If you paid by mail, add three to five business days for the check to reach Nashville. If you paid online or in person, processing begins when ready. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation from the department that your license has been reinstated, even if you believe the suspension period has ended.

Reinstatement for suspensions that include a mandatory waiting period

Some suspensions require you to wait a set number of days or months before you can reinstate. A first DUI suspension typically requires a mandatory suspension period of one year. A suspension for refusing a breath test requires a one-year mandatory period. A suspension for accumulating points requires a period that varies based on your record and the number of points.

You cannot shorten these waiting periods by paying the reinstatement fee early. The fee can only be paid after the mandatory period has passed. The department will tell you the exact date your suspension ends when you contact them about reinstatement.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Tennessee is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.

If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face criminal charges in addition to the original suspension. Your license suspension will be extended, and you will owe additional fines. It is far less costly to wait out the suspension or resolve the underlying issue and pay the reinstatement fee than to drive illegally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license if I still owe fines but have a payment plan?

Yes. If you have arranged a payment plan with the court, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to confirm that the plan satisfies the suspension requirement. The department may reinstate your license once the plan is in place, even if you have not finished paying. Confirm this in writing before paying the reinstatement fee.

What if I lost my driver's license number and cannot find it?

You can look up your driver's license number on the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling their Driver Services line. You will need your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Alternatively, bring a form of identification to a Driver Services Center and staff can provide your number.

Does the reinstatement fee cover a new physical license card?

No. The reinstatement fee restores your driving privileges only. If you need a replacement license card, you must pay a separate fee of $27 and visit a Driver Services Center with proof of identity and residency. You can drive legally once your suspension is lifted, even without a new card in hand.

Can I reinstate my license online?

You can pay the reinstatement fee online, but you cannot complete the entire reinstatement process online. You must first resolve the suspension cause and contact the department to confirm you are ready. After you pay online, the department processes your request by mail, which takes one to two weeks.

What if my suspension was for a DUI and I completed the education program years ago?

Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety with proof that you completed the approved DUI education program. The department will verify completion and confirm that you can now pay the reinstatement fee. Bring documentation of program completion to a Driver Services Center or include it with a mailed payment.