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 — the reason determines what you do next. Tennessee suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay child support. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) handles reinstatement, but the steps vary by suspension type.
Start by checking your suspension status through the TDOSHS website or by calling the Driver Services Section at 615-251-8590. Have your driver's license number ready. The person on the phone will tell you the reason for suspension and what you must do to clear it. This call is free and takes about five minutes — it saves you from doing the wrong thing first.
Key Takeaways
- Call TDOSHS Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what must happen before reinstatement.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, appear in court, complete a DUI program, or settle a child support debt — before TDOSHS will reinstate.
- After you resolve the issue, you typically pay a reinstatement fee to TDOSHS; the amount depends on the suspension reason and ranges from $50 to $250.
- Reinstatement usually takes one to three business days after TDOSHS receives payment and confirmation that the underlying issue is resolved.
- You can reinstate online, by mail, or in person at a TDOSHS office; online is fastest if your suspension allows it.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court failures
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or did not show up for a court date, you must handle the traffic court matter first. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice — usually your county's district court or municipal court. You can pay the fine by phone, online, or in person, depending on what the court offers.
Once you have paid the fine or resolved the court case, the court sends notice to TDOSHS automatically. Wait one to two business days for that notice to reach TDOSHS, then contact TDOSHS to request reinstatement. You will pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100) and your license will be reinstated within one to three business days.
Suspensions for DUI or refusal to take a breath test
A DUI suspension in Tennessee has two parts: an administrative suspension from TDOSHS and a court-ordered suspension. You cannot reinstate until both are resolved. The administrative suspension lasts 12 months for a first refusal or failed test; a court conviction may add additional time.
Before reinstatement, you must complete an alcohol and drug treatment program approved by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The program length depends on your case — typically 8 to 20 hours of education and assessment. You can find approved programs through the TDOSHS website or by calling 615-251-8590. Once you finish the program, you receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate when you request reinstatement, along with the reinstatement fee (usually $150 to $250). Some people also need an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle; TDOSHS will tell you if this applies to you.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Tennessee uses a point system: traffic violations add points to your record, and too many points trigger a suspension. A suspension for points typically lasts 30 days for a first offense. You do not have to do anything except wait out the suspension period and pay the reinstatement fee when it ends.
After 30 days, contact TDOSHS to request reinstatement. You will pay a $50 reinstatement fee. Your license will be reinstated within one to three business days. If you accumulate points again and receive a second suspension within a certain timeframe, the suspension period grows longer and the fee may increase.
Suspensions for child support debt
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) ordered the suspension. You must work with DHS or the court handling your child support case to resolve the debt or set up a payment plan. Contact the DHS Office of Child Support Services at 1-800-621-7818 or the judge's office listed on your suspension notice.
Once you have paid the debt or reached an agreement with DHS, DHS notifies TDOSHS. Wait one to two business days, then contact TDOSHS to request reinstatement. You will pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100). Your license will be reinstated within one to three business days of TDOSHS receiving payment.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You have three ways to request reinstatement: online through the TDOSHS website, by mail, or in person at a TDOSHS office. Online is the fastest option if your suspension type allows it — you can complete the request in 10 minutes and your license may be reinstated the same day or next business day.
To reinstate online, go to the TDOSHS Driver Services page, select "Reinstatement," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The reinstatement fee is charged when ready.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to TDOSHS Driver Services, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Include your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (court receipt, DUI program certificate, child support agreement, etc.), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made out to "State of Tennessee." Mail takes one to two weeks, so allow extra time.
To reinstate in person, visit a TDOSHS Driver Services office. Find the office nearest you on the TDOSHS website. Bring your driver's license, proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and payment for the reinstatement fee (cash, check, or card). You can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day.
What happens if your license is suspended again
If you receive another suspension within a certain period, the consequences increase. A second suspension for points lasts 60 days instead of 30, and a third lasts 12 months. A second DUI suspension is longer and requires additional treatment. A second child support suspension may result in a longer reinstatement fee or additional court involvement.
The best way to avoid another suspension is to follow traffic laws, pay fines on time, and appear for all court dates. If you struggle with substance use and received a DUI suspension, completing treatment and staying sober protects your license and your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Tennessee does not issue work permits or hardship licenses for most suspensions. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive except in very narrow circumstances (some agricultural work, for example). Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time. Wait for reinstatement or use other transportation.
How long does reinstatement actually take?
Online reinstatement usually takes one business day. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person reinstatement at a TDOSHS office takes a few minutes, and you may receive a temporary license on the spot. The timeline also depends on whether TDOSHS has received confirmation that you resolved the underlying issue — if not, reinstatement is delayed until they do.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
TDOSHS does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts allow you to pay traffic fines in installments or request a fine reduction. Contact the court that issued your fine and ask about payment plans. For DUI-related suspensions, some treatment programs offer sliding-scale fees. Call 615-251-8590 to ask whether your situation has any options.
Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license without a new written or road test. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it (which may include a vision test) at the same time you reinstate it. Check your license expiration date or call TDOSHS to confirm.
What if I moved out of Tennessee after my suspension?
Your Tennessee suspension remains active even if you move. If you want to drive in Tennessee again, you must reinstate your Tennessee license. If you want to get a license in your new state, that state's DMV will see the Tennessee suspension and may deny your process until it is cleared. It is easier to reinstate the Tennessee license first, even if you do not plan to live there.