Check your Tennessee license status through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or by phone
Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) runs a free online tool where you can look up your driver license status in real time. You'll need your driver license number and date of birth. The online system tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there's a hold on it, what kind.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DSHS Driver Services line at 615-251-8590 during business hours. They can tell you the same information over the phone, though wait times vary by time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee DSHS online license status tool is free and shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension in Tennessee usually means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a reinstatement process.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspensions ordered by a doctor.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must clear the underlying reason before you can restore driving privileges.
How to use the online status checker
Go to the Tennessee DSHS website and find the Driver License Status Inquiry tool. Enter your driver license number (the eight-digit number on the front of your card) and your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. The system will return your current status within seconds.
The tool shows whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If there is a suspension or revocation, it will usually tell you the reason — for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Medical Suspension." Some reasons require you to take a specific action before your license can be restored.
What different license statuses mean
Active means your license is valid and you can legally drive. Expired means your license is no longer valid but you have not been suspended or revoked; you need to renew it at a Driver Services office.
Suspended means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension is temporary. Once you resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, appear in court, clear a child support debt, or complete a required program — you can restore your license. Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. You cannot drive at all, and you must go through a formal reinstatement process with DSHS, which may include a new written test, vision test, or both.
A hold is a flag on your record that prevents you from renewing or obtaining a license until it is cleared. Holds are often placed by courts, the Department of Revenue (usually for unpaid taxes or child support), or the Department of Human Services.
Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee
Unpaid traffic fines and failure to appear in court are the most common reasons. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or show up on your court date, DSHS will suspend your license automatically.
Child support debt also triggers suspension. If you owe back child support, the Department of Human Services can request a suspension. Medical suspensions happen when a doctor reports to DSHS that you have a condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive — for example, untreated seizures or severe vision loss. You can request removal of a medical suspension by providing a letter from your doctor stating the condition has been treated or resolved.
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a certain time period also causes suspension. Tennessee uses a point system: minor violations are 1 or 2 points, and serious ones are 3 to 12 points. If you reach 12 points in 12 months, your license is suspended for at least 6 months.
How to restore a suspended license
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for an unpaid fine, you must pay the fine and contact the court or the DSHS Driver Services line to confirm payment. Once DSHS receives notice that the fine is paid, the suspension is lifted.
If you failed to appear in court, you must appear and resolve the case. Contact the court listed on your ticket to reschedule. Once the case is resolved, notify DSHS or wait for the court to notify them automatically.
For child support suspensions, contact the Department of Human Services or your child support enforcement office. You will need to either pay the debt, set up a payment plan, or demonstrate that you are in compliance with a court order. Once the debt agency confirms compliance, DSHS will lift the suspension.
For medical suspensions, obtain a letter from your doctor stating that the medical condition no longer prevents safe driving. Mail or bring the letter to a DSHS Driver Services office. They will review it and, if approved, remove the suspension.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revocation is more serious than a suspension. Common reasons include multiple DUI convictions, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points over time. You cannot legally drive while revoked, and you cannot straightforward wait for it to expire.
To restore a revoked license, you must file a petition for reinstatement with DSHS. The process varies depending on the reason for revocation. For DUI-related revocations, you may need to complete an alcohol education program, pay a reinstatement fee, and pass a written test and vision test. For other revocations, you may only need to pay the fee and pass the tests.
Contact a DSHS Driver Services office or call 615-251-8590 to find out the exact requirements for your situation. The reinstatement process can take several weeks.
Where to find a Driver Services office
Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DSHS website by entering your county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule.
Bring your current ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to your suspension or revocation — for example, a court order, a doctor's letter, or proof of payment. If you are restoring a license after suspension, bring whatever documentation shows the underlying issue has been resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last in Tennessee?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear are lifted once you resolve the issue. Point-based suspensions last at least 6 months. Child support suspensions stay in place until the debt is paid or a payment plan is in place. Medical suspensions are lifted once your doctor confirms the condition is treated.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Tennessee does not issue work permits that allow you to drive with a suspended license. A suspension means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. You must restore your license first.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I don't know why?
Call DSHS at 615-251-8590 and provide your license number. They can tell you the specific reason and what you need to do to resolve it. If the reason is unclear or you believe it is an error, ask to speak with a supervisor or visit a Driver Services office in person.
How do I know if I have a hold on my license?
The online status tool will show a hold if one exists. You can also call DSHS or visit a Driver Services office. Holds are usually placed by courts or state agencies and must be cleared before you can renew or restore your license.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth for privacy reasons. Only the license holder or their attorney can check the status.