What a For Hire Endorsement Does in Tennessee

A For Hire endorsement is an add-on to your Tennessee driver's license that allows you to drive passengers for money. Without it, you cannot legally operate a taxi, rideshare vehicle, or any other vehicle where you charge people for rides. The endorsement proves to law enforcement and your insurance company that you have met Tennessee's requirements to carry paying passengers.

The endorsement appears on your license as a code or notation. It is separate from your regular driver's license class — you keep your standard Class D license and add the For Hire endorsement on top of it. This means you can still drive for personal use, but you are also legally permitted to drive for hire.

Key Takeaways

  • A For Hire endorsement allows you to drive passengers for money in Tennessee and is required by law for taxi, rideshare, and similar work.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Tennessee driver's license, and pass a background check and medical examination.
  • The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security processes For Hire endorsements and charges a fee that varies depending on the endorsement type.
  • Your insurance company must know you drive for hire, because personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial passenger transport.
  • Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have their own background check and vehicle requirements in addition to the state endorsement.

Who Needs a For Hire Endorsement in Tennessee

You need a For Hire endorsement if you drive passengers and accept payment of any kind — whether a set fare, tips, or a negotiated rate. This includes taxi drivers, rideshare drivers, shuttle operators, and private car service drivers. If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or similar platforms, Tennessee law requires the endorsement even though the company also runs its own background check.

You do not need the endorsement if you drive only for personal use or if you transport passengers without charging them. Carpooling with friends who split gas money is not considered driving for hire. However, if you charge a fare or use a rideshare app, the endorsement is mandatory.

Requirements to Get a For Hire Endorsement

Tennessee requires you to meet several conditions before the Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue the endorsement. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Tennessee driver's license. You cannot have certain criminal convictions on your record — Tennessee law disqualifies people convicted of felonies involving violence, sexual offenses, or drug trafficking within the past seven years, among other offenses.

You must also pass a medical examination performed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. The exam confirms you are physically and mentally fit to drive passengers safely. You will need to submit the completed medical form to the Department of Safety along with your endorsement request. Additionally, Tennessee conducts a background check that includes a review of your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status.

Some rideshare companies impose stricter rules than the state. Uber and Lyft, for example, typically require a clean driving record for the past three to five years and may deny drivers with certain violations or accidents, even if Tennessee would issue the endorsement.

how the process works for the Endorsement

You explore for a For Hire endorsement at a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person. You cannot complete the process online or by mail. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, proof of a completed medical examination (form DL 180 or equivalent), and a valid photo ID if your license has expired. You will also need to provide your Social Security number for the background check.

The process fee varies depending on the type of For Hire endorsement and how long you want it to last. A one-year endorsement costs less than a four-year or eight-year endorsement. Ask the Driver Services Center staff for the current fee when you visit, as prices change periodically. Payment is typically cash or card at the time of process.

Processing usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the results of your background check. If the check is clear and your medical exam is acceptable, you will receive your license with the endorsement in the mail or can pick it up at the Driver Services Center.

Insurance Requirements for For Hire Drivers

Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover you when you drive passengers for money. Most standard policies exclude commercial use, which means if you have an accident while carrying a paying passenger, your insurer can deny your claim. This leaves you personally liable for damages, medical bills, and legal costs.

You must obtain commercial auto insurance or a rideshare endorsement to your personal policy before you start driving for hire. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, those companies provide some coverage during active rides, but the coverage has gaps and limits. The company's insurance is secondary to your own, meaning your policy pays first if you have one. If you do not have your own coverage, you may be underinsured during the gaps between accepting a ride and picking up the passenger.

Tell your insurance agent that you drive for hire and ask what options are available. Some insurers offer rideshare endorsements that cost less than full commercial coverage. Others will not insure for-hire drivers at all. Starting the conversation before you explore for the endorsement prevents surprises later.

Background Check and Medical Exam Details

Tennessee's background check for a For Hire endorsement includes a search of your criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry. The state also checks with the FBI. Convictions for violent felonies, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and certain other crimes disqualify you. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) within the past seven years may also result in denial, though the exact rules depend on the circumstances.

The medical examination must be completed by a Tennessee-licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The exam is not extensive — it typically includes a vision test, hearing test, and basic questions about your health and medications. The examiner is checking whether you have any condition that would make it unsafe for you to drive passengers, such as uncontrolled seizures, severe hearing loss, or cognitive impairment. The form must be dated and signed by the examiner and submitted with your process.

Renewing or Replacing Your For Hire Endorsement

Your For Hire endorsement expires on the same date as your driver's license. When you renew your license, you can renew the endorsement at the same time. You will need to pass another medical examination and background check. If your endorsement expires before your license does, you can renew it separately at a Driver Services Center.

If your license is suspended or revoked, your For Hire endorsement is suspended or revoked as well. You cannot drive for hire during a suspension. Once your license is reinstated, you can reapply for the endorsement if you still meet the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber or Lyft without a For Hire endorsement?

No. Tennessee law requires the endorsement before you can legally drive passengers for money, including through rideshare apps. The company's background check does not replace the state requirement. You must have both the state endorsement and the company's clearance.

What happens if I drive for hire without the endorsement?

You can be cited for operating without the required endorsement, which is a traffic violation. You may also face fines and legal liability if you have an accident, since your insurance will not cover you and you are breaking the law.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks after you submit your process, depending on how quickly the background check clears. If there are issues with your background or medical exam, it may take longer. Contact the Driver Services Center where you applied for a status update.

Do I need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to get a For Hire endorsement?

No. A For Hire endorsement is added to a regular Class D driver's license. You only need a CDL if you drive a vehicle over a certain weight or carry more than 15 passengers. Most rideshare and taxi vehicles do not require a CDL.

Can I get a For Hire endorsement if I have a DUI on my record?

It depends on how long ago the DUI was and the circumstances. Tennessee generally disqualifies applicants with a DUI within the past seven years, but the exact rule can vary. Contact the Department of Safety and Homeland Security or a Driver Services Center to find out whether your specific situation disqualifies you.