What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate your Tennessee driver's license, you must first contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) to find out why your license was suspended or revoked. The reason matters because it determines what steps you take next. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, clear a court hold, complete a DUI program, or wait out a suspension period. After that is handled, you submit a reinstatement request to TDOSHS along with the required fee and any supporting documents. The process typically takes two to four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Contact TDOSHS directly by phone at 615-251-8590 or visit a Driver Services Center in person to learn why your license was suspended or revoked.
- You must resolve the underlying reason — such as paying fines, clearing a court hold, or completing a required program — before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement fee in Tennessee is $150 for most suspensions, though some situations may have additional costs.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the TDOSHS website, or in person at a Driver Services Center.
- Bring proof that you have resolved the issue, such as a court clearance letter, proof of payment, or program completion certificate.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Call TDOSHS at 615-251-8590 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to resolve it.
If you prefer to check in person, visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee. You can find the nearest location on the TDOSHS website. Bring a photo ID and your driver's license if you still have it. The staff can print out a document showing the reason for suspension and the steps required for reinstatement.
Write down or request a copy of everything you learn. You will need this information to prove you have resolved the issue when you submit your reinstatement request.
Resolve the reason for suspension or revocation
The action you take depends entirely on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept.
If your license was suspended because you failed to appear in court, you must resolve that court case first. Contact the court directly or work with an attorney. Once the case is resolved, request a letter from the court stating that the failure-to-appear hold has been cleared.
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you may be required to complete a DUI education program before reinstatement is possible. TDOSHS can direct you to approved programs in your area. Some suspensions also have a mandatory waiting period — you cannot reinstate until that time has passed, even if you have resolved other issues.
Keep all receipts, letters, and documents proving you have completed each required step. You will submit these with your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request
You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services Center.
By mail: Send a letter to TDOSHS Driver Services, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reinstatement fee of $150 (check or money order), and copies of all documents proving you have resolved the suspension reason. Do not send cash. Allow two to three weeks for processing.
Online: Visit the TDOSHS website and look for the reinstatement request form. You will need to upload copies of your supporting documents and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Online requests typically process faster than mail.
In person: Visit any Driver Services Center with your documents and payment. Staff can process your request on the spot and tell you when ready whether it has been accepted. This is the fastest option if you want confirmation the same day.
What documents to bring or send
Always include proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension. The specific documents depend on your situation:
- For unpaid fines: a receipt or letter from the court showing payment in full.
- For failure to appear: a letter from the court stating the case has been resolved and the hold is cleared.
- For DUI suspension: a certificate of completion from the approved DUI education program.
- For points-based suspension: proof of the mandatory waiting period has passed (TDOSHS can verify this).
You will also need to bring or send a valid photo ID, such as a passport or state ID card. If you are requesting reinstatement in person, bring your original driver's license if you still have it.
Make copies of everything before you submit. Keep one set for your records and send or bring the originals or certified copies to TDOSHS.
What happens after you submit your request
TDOSHS will review your request and documents. If everything is in order and your fee has been received, your license will be reinstated. You will receive a new license by mail within two to four weeks, or you can pick it up at a Driver Services Center if you submitted your request in person.
If TDOSHS finds that you have not fully resolved the suspension reason, they will send you a letter explaining what is still missing. You will have a chance to submit additional documents or take further action. Do not ignore this letter — your reinstatement will not proceed until you respond.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when it was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your new license or confirmation of reinstatement before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fines right now?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, ask the court for a letter confirming the arrangement, which you can submit to TDOSHS along with your reinstatement request.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
By mail, expect two to four weeks. Online requests may process in one to two weeks. In-person requests at a Driver Services Center can be processed the same day, though you will still receive your new license by mail unless you pay an expedited fee.
Do I have to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you may need to renew it at the same time, which could involve a vision test.
What if my suspension reason was a mistake?
Contact TDOSHS when ready at 615-251-8590 with documentation showing the error. If TDOSHS agrees the suspension was incorrect, they can clear it without requiring you to resolve the original issue. Request a letter confirming the error, which you can then use to request reinstatement.