How to check your suspension status in Tennessee
You can find out whether your Tennessee driver's license is suspended by checking with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH). The fastest way is to call their Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 during business hours, or you can check online through the TDSH website if you have your license number and date of birth ready.
When you call or visit in person, have your driver's license number or Social Security number available. The staff member will tell you whether your license is currently suspended, why it was suspended, and what you need to do to get it reinstated. If you prefer to check online, go to the TDSH website and look for the "Check Your Driving Record" option — this will show your current status and any holds or suspensions on your record.
If you find that your license is suspended, the same call or online check will give you information about reinstatement fees and what steps come next. Do not drive while your license is suspended — driving on a suspended license in Tennessee is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 to ask directly whether your license is suspended.
- You can also check your driving record online through the TDSH website using your license number and date of birth.
- Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, and accumulating too many points on your record.
- Reinstatement requires paying any fines or fees owed and sometimes completing a driver improvement course or other requirements depending on why your license was suspended.
- Driving while suspended is a separate offense and will make your situation worse, so wait until your license is reinstated before getting behind the wheel.
Common reasons your Tennessee license might be suspended
Tennessee suspends driver's licenses for several specific reasons. The most common is accumulating too many points on your driving record — Tennessee uses a point system where traffic violations add points, and reaching 12 points in a 12-month period triggers a suspension. A single serious violation like a DUI or reckless driving can also result in when ready suspension.
Other reasons include failing to pay traffic fines or court-ordered fees, failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket, or being convicted of certain crimes. If you were involved in an accident and found to be at fault but did not have insurance, your license can be suspended. Unpaid child support or unpaid court costs can also lead to a suspension, even if they are not directly related to driving.
If you have an out-of-state suspension or a suspension from another country, Tennessee will honor that suspension and prevent you from driving in the state. The only way to know for certain which reason applies to you is to contact TDSH directly or check your record online.
What happens after you find out your license is suspended
Once you confirm your license is suspended, TDSH will tell you what you must do to reinstate it. In most cases, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee — this fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension. You may also need to pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution related to the reason your license was suspended.
Some suspensions require you to complete additional steps before you can reinstate. For example, if your suspension was due to a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse treatment program or a victim impact panel. If your suspension was due to accumulating points, you might be required to take a driver improvement course. TDSH will explain all requirements when you contact them.
After you have completed all requirements and paid all fees, you can request reinstatement. This is not automatic — you must actively request it through TDSH. Once approved, your driving privileges will be restored, but you will need to follow any conditions that come with your reinstatement, such as a probationary period or restrictions on when or where you can drive.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a Tennessee license suspension depends on why your license was suspended and whether it is your first suspension. A suspension for accumulating points usually lasts from 30 days to one year, depending on how many points you had and how quickly you complete any required courses. A DUI suspension is typically longer — a first-time DUI suspension lasts at least one year, and subsequent DUIs carry longer suspensions.
Some suspensions are indefinite until you meet specific conditions. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid child support or court costs, it will remain in place until those obligations are paid. Similarly, if you were suspended for failing to appear in court, the suspension stays active until you resolve the underlying case.
The only way to know the exact length of your suspension is to check with TDSH. They will tell you the suspension end date if one exists, or what conditions must be met for reinstatement if the suspension is indefinite.
Reinstatement fees and costs in Tennessee
Tennessee charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges after a suspension. The standard reinstatement fee is $250, though this amount can vary depending on the reason for your suspension and whether you have had previous suspensions. You will also need to pay any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or other fees related to the violation that caused your suspension.
If your suspension required you to complete a driver improvement course or other program, there may be additional costs for that course. Some courses are offered free through TDSH, while others through private providers charge a fee. Ask TDSH which courses are available and what they cost when you contact them about reinstatement.
Payment methods vary — some TDSH offices accept payment in person, by phone, or online through their website. Ask when you call whether you can pay over the phone or if you need to visit an office in person. Some people choose to pay online to avoid a trip, while others prefer to handle everything at once at a local TDSH office.
What to do if you believe your suspension is a mistake
If you think your license was suspended in error, contact TDSH when ready and explain the situation. Bring any documents that support your case — for example, if you believe you paid a fine, bring proof of payment; if you think you appeared in court, bring court documentation. TDSH staff can review your record and correct errors if they find one.
If TDSH confirms the suspension is correct but you disagree with the reason or the length, you have the right to request a hearing. Ask TDSH about their appeal process when you call. The appeal process varies depending on the reason for your suspension, but generally you will need to submit a written request and may have the opportunity to present your case to a hearing officer.
If your suspension is related to a traffic ticket or court case, you may also be able to challenge the underlying violation. This is different from challenging the suspension itself — you would need to work with the court that issued the ticket or handled your case. An attorney can help you understand your options if the suspension stems from a court decision.
Driving with a suspended license and the consequences
Driving while your license is suspended in Tennessee is a criminal offense separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. A first offense of driving with a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine up to $2,500 and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.
Beyond the criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license will make your original suspension situation worse. Your license will remain suspended longer, reinstatement fees will increase, and you may face additional court costs. You could also face civil liability if you are involved in an accident while driving on a suspended license, and your insurance will not cover damages.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, explore other options: ask someone else to drive you, use public transportation, or contact TDSH about whether a restricted or hardship license might be available in your situation. Some suspensions allow for a limited license for essential purposes like work or medical appointments — ask when you check your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Tennessee does allow hardship licenses in some cases, but not for all types of suspensions. A hardship license typically permits you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Contact TDSH to ask whether your suspension qualifies for a hardship license and what you need to do to request one.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver's license suspension is part of your driving record, which employers, landlords, and others can see if they run a background check that includes your driving history. It will not show up on a criminal background check unless you were also charged with a crime related to the suspension, such as driving with a suspended license.
What if I moved out of Tennessee while my license was suspended?
If you move to another state, your Tennessee suspension will follow you — most states honor suspensions from other states. You will need to resolve your Tennessee suspension before you can obtain a license in your new state. Contact TDSH to find out what steps you need to take.
How do I know if my suspension has been lifted?
Check your driving record again through the TDSH website or call them at 615-251-8590 to confirm your suspension has been removed. Do not assume your suspension is over on the date you were told it would end — verify it has actually been lifted before you drive.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No, you cannot renew a suspended license. Your license must be reinstated first, and then you can renew it if it is expiring soon. If your license expires while it is suspended, you will need to handle reinstatement and renewal as separate steps.