How Tennessee reinstates suspended or revoked licenses
To reinstate your Tennessee driver's license, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation — usually unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support. Once you have addressed the underlying issue, you contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDHS) to request reinstatement. The process and cost depend on why your license was suspended, how long it has been suspended, and whether you have had other violations.
Tennessee does not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends. You have to take action. The TDHS will not contact you to say your time is up. If you wait too long without requesting reinstatement, you may face additional penalties if you are caught driving.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for suspension — pay fines, complete a DUI program, or settle child support — before the TDHS will reinstate your license.
- Contact the TDHS Driver Services office by phone, mail, or in person to request reinstatement once the underlying issue is resolved.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension and whether it was a first or repeat offense.
- You may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both, depending on how long your license has been suspended.
- The process typically takes two to four weeks if you submit documents by mail, or same-day if you visit an office in person.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. Tennessee suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has different steps to resolve it. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic citations, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
To find out why your license was suspended, call the TDHS Driver Services office at 615-251-8590. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the reason, the date the suspension began, and what you must do to resolve it. You can also check your status online through the TDHS website, though the phone line is faster if you have questions.
Resolve the underlying issue
The TDHS will not reinstate your license until you have taken care of the problem that caused the suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay them in full. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If it was suspended for failure to pay child support, you must bring your payments current or make an arrangement with the child support office.
Get written proof that you have resolved the issue. If you paid fines, ask for a receipt or letter from the court or the traffic citation processing center. If you completed a DUI program, get a certificate of completion. If you settled child support, get a letter from the child support office. You will need this proof when you request reinstatement.
Request reinstatement from the TDHS
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension, contact the TDHS Driver Services to request reinstatement. You can do this by phone, by mail, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The fastest method is to visit an office in person, where you can often complete the process the same day. The TDHS has offices in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and several other cities across the state.
If you call, have your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of resolution ready. The staff will tell you the reinstatement fee and what documents to send. If you mail your request, send it to the TDHS Driver Services office with copies of your proof of resolution and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement.
If you visit an office in person, bring your proof of resolution, a valid photo ID, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You may be asked to take a vision test or written test depending on how long your license has been suspended.
Reinstatement fees and testing requirements
Reinstatement fees in Tennessee range from $100 to $250. The exact amount depends on the reason for suspension and whether this is your first suspension or a repeat offense. A first suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $100 to $150 to reinstate. A DUI suspension costs more, usually $200 to $250. If you have had multiple suspensions, the fee may be higher.
You may need to pass a vision test, a written test, or both. If your license has been suspended for more than one year, you will likely need to pass the written knowledge test again. If your license was suspended for a medical reason or a DUI, you may need a vision test. The TDHS will tell you what tests you need when you contact them about reinstatement.
What happens after you request reinstatement
If you submit your request by mail, reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks. The TDHS will process your documents, verify that you have resolved the underlying issue, and mail you a new license or a letter confirming reinstatement. If you visit an office in person and pass any required tests, you may receive a temporary driving permit the same day and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are unsure whether your reinstatement has been processed, call the TDHS Driver Services office to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my license to be reinstated?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and an extended suspension. Wait until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the TDHS Driver Services office to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some offices may work with you if you are experiencing financial hardship, though this is not may provide. You cannot reinstate your license without paying the fee.
Do I need to take the written driving test again to reinstate my license?
Only if your license has been suspended for more than one year. If your suspension is less than one year, you typically will not need to retake the test. The TDHS will tell you what is required when you contact them.
What if the reason for my suspension was a mistake?
Contact the TDHS Driver Services office when ready with documentation of the error. If the suspension was issued in error, the TDHS can cancel it and reinstate your license without a fee. Bring proof of the mistake, such as a court order or letter from the relevant agency.
How long does reinstatement take if I go to an office in person?
If you visit a Driver Services office in person with all required documents and proof of resolution, you can often complete the process the same day. You may receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.