The Nashville Driver License Reinstatement Office location and hours

Tennessee's driver license reinstatement services in Nashville are handled through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), Driver License Section. The main office that processes reinstatement requests is located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. This is the physical location where you can submit documents, pay reinstatement fees, and take any required tests or vision checks.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on state holidays and weekends. Arrive early if possible, as wait times can extend past 2:00 p.m., particularly on Thursdays and Fridays. You do not need an appointment for most reinstatement transactions, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nashville reinstatement office is at 1150 Foster Avenue and is open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed for lunch noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • You must bring your suspension or revocation notice, proof of identity, and payment for the reinstatement fee, which varies by reason for suspension.
  • If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must resolve those obligations before the office can process your reinstatement.
  • Tennessee allows online reinstatement for certain suspensions through the TDOSHS website, which may be faster than visiting in person.
  • If you fail a vision or written test during reinstatement, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit within a set timeframe.

What documents to bring to the Nashville office

Bring your suspension or revocation notice — the official letter from TDOSHS that explains why your license was suspended. This document lists the suspension start date, the reason (unpaid fines, medical suspension, DUI, points accumulation, or other cause), and the suspension end date or conditions for reinstatement. If you cannot locate the original, the office staff can look up your record by your driver's license number or Social Security number.

You will also need a valid form of photo identification. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your only ID is the suspended license itself, bring it anyway — the office will accept it as proof of identity even though it is no longer valid for driving.

Bring your reinstatement fee payment in the form of cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted. The fee amount depends on the reason for suspension and how long your license was suspended. Fees typically range from $100 to $300, but you must confirm the exact amount before you arrive by calling the office at (615) 251-8590 or checking your suspension notice, which may list the fee.

Resolving suspensions tied to unpaid fines or child support

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, you cannot complete reinstatement at the Nashville office until you have paid those fines or made a payment arrangement with the court. The office will verify your payment status through the Tennessee Court System database before processing your reinstatement. Contact the traffic court in the county where the violation occurred to confirm the amount owed and your payment options.

Similarly, suspensions related to unpaid child support require you to contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Division, or the local child support enforcement office in your county. You do not need to pay the full amount in all cases — establishing a payment plan may satisfy the requirement. Once you have proof of payment or an active payment agreement, bring that documentation to the reinstatement office.

Medical suspensions and DUI-related suspensions have different requirements. For medical suspensions, you may need to submit a Physician's Statement of Evaluation (Form DL 322) signed by your doctor confirming you are medically fit to drive. For DUI suspensions, you may be required to complete a substance abuse assessment or DUI education program before reinstatement is possible. Your suspension notice will specify which documents explore to your case.

Online reinstatement as an alternative to visiting in person

Tennessee offers online reinstatement through the TDOSHS website for certain suspension types. You can reinstate online if your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines (once paid), points accumulation, or administrative reasons — but not for DUI, medical suspension, or child support-related suspensions. To reinstate online, visit the TDOSHS Driver License Services page, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the reinstatement fee by debit card.

Online reinstatement typically processes within 24 to 48 hours, and your license status updates in the system when ready after payment clears. You will receive a confirmation email. This method avoids the wait time at the Nashville office and is useful if you live outside Davidson County or have a work schedule that makes visiting during business hours difficult.

However, online reinstatement does not work if you need to take a vision test, written test, or medical evaluation. In those cases, you must visit the Nashville office in person. Check your suspension notice or call (615) 251-8590 to confirm whether your suspension type qualifies for online reinstatement before making the trip.

Vision and written testing during reinstatement

Depending on the reason for your suspension and how long it has been since your license was issued, you may be required to pass a vision screening or written knowledge test as part of reinstatement. The vision test is brief — you read letters on a chart from a set distance, and the office records whether you meet Tennessee's minimum vision standard (20/40 in each eye, or 20/70 with correction). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

The written test covers Tennessee traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test given to new drivers and typically contains 30 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The office provides a study guide on the TDOSHS website. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye care professional; if you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional charge, or schedule another appointment within 30 days.

Fees and payment methods accepted

Reinstatement fees in Tennessee vary based on the suspension reason and length. A standard reinstatement fee for a first suspension is typically $100 to $150. If your license was suspended multiple times or for a serious violation like DUI, the fee may be higher — up to $300 or more. Your suspension notice should list the exact fee owed.

The Nashville office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit cards. Credit cards, money orders, and electronic transfers are not accepted. If you are paying by check, make it payable to "State of Tennessee." If you cannot pay the full fee at the time of your visit, ask the office staff whether a payment plan is available for your suspension type — some suspensions allow installment payments, though this is not may provide.

What happens after you complete reinstatement

Once you have submitted all required documents, passed any tests, and paid the reinstatement fee, the office will process your reinstatement on the spot or within one business day. You will receive a reinstatement confirmation letter or receipt showing your license number and the date your driving privileges are restored. Your license status will also update in the TDOSHS system, and law enforcement can verify your reinstatement through their database.

Your physical driver's license card itself does not change — you continue to use the card you already have. If your license was damaged, lost, or expired during the suspension period, you can request a replacement card at the same time, though this may involve an additional fee and processing time. Your driving privileges are active as soon as the office confirms your reinstatement, even if you are waiting for a replacement card to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license by mail or phone?

No. Tennessee requires you to either visit the Nashville office in person or use the online reinstatement system for suspensions that may have access to. You cannot complete reinstatement over the phone or by mail. If you live out of state, the online option is your fastest choice for may be able to access suspension types.

What if I do not have a photo ID to bring with me?

Bring your suspended driver's license — the office will accept it as proof of identity even though it is not valid for driving. If you do not have the license card itself, bring a birth certificate, passport, or military ID. Call the office at (615) 251-8590 beforehand to confirm what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

How long does reinstatement take if I visit the office in person?

The office typically completes reinstatement within 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents and do not need to take a test. Wait times to see a staff member can range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is that day. Online reinstatement processes within 24 to 48 hours.

What if my suspension was for a DUI?

DUI suspensions have additional requirements beyond the standard reinstatement process. You may need to complete a substance abuse assessment, DUI education program, or install an ignition interlock device, depending on whether it was your first offense and the specifics of your case. Your suspension notice will list all required steps. Contact the Nashville office to confirm what you need before visiting.

Can I drive before my reinstatement is officially processed?

No. Your driving privileges remain suspended until the office confirms your reinstatement in the system. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, and vehicle impoundment. Wait for your reinstatement confirmation before driving.