What It Costs to Reinstate a Revoked License in Tennessee

The cost to reinstate a revoked license in Tennessee depends on why your license was revoked. The reinstatement fee itself is $250, but you may also owe additional fees tied to the reason for revocation — most commonly a suspension-related fee or a reinstatement fee for alcohol-related offenses. If your license was revoked for a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you will pay the $250 reinstatement fee plus a separate $275 alcohol-related reinstatement fee, totaling $525. If revocation was for other reasons — such as accumulating too many points, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons — you pay only the base $250 fee.

You cannot pay these fees online or by mail. You must pay in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office when you submit your reinstatement request. Bring a check, money order, or cash; not all offices accept credit cards. The fee is non-refundable even if your reinstatement is denied.

Key Takeaways

  • The base reinstatement fee in Tennessee is $250, paid in person at a Driver Services office.
  • If your license was revoked for DUI or breath test refusal, add $275 for an alcohol-related reinstatement fee, bringing the total to $525.
  • You cannot pay by mail or online; you must appear at a Driver Services office with cash, check, or money order.
  • Other fees may explore depending on the reason for revocation, such as unpaid child support or court-ordered fines.

Alcohol-Related Revocation Fees

If your license was revoked because of a DUI conviction, a refusal to submit to a breath or blood test, or a wet reckless conviction, Tennessee adds the $275 alcohol-related reinstatement fee on top of the $250 base fee. This fee is separate from any court fines, probation costs, or DUI education program fees you may owe.

The alcohol-related fee applies even if your DUI charge was reduced or dismissed after your license was already revoked. It also applies if you refused a breath test — refusal is treated the same as a failed test for reinstatement purposes. You must pay this fee before your license can be reinstated, regardless of the outcome of any criminal case.

Non-Alcohol Revocation Fees

If your license was revoked for reasons other than alcohol — such as accumulating 12 or more points in a 12-month period, failure to maintain insurance, medical disqualification, or failure to pay child support — you pay only the $250 base reinstatement fee. No additional alcohol-related fee applies.

However, you may owe other money to the state before reinstatement is possible. If revocation was tied to unpaid child support, you must resolve that debt with the Department of Human Services. If it was tied to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those first. The Driver Services office will tell you what else you owe when you explore.

What Happens After You Pay the Fee

Paying the reinstatement fee does not automatically restore your license. After you pay, the Driver Services office will submit your reinstatement request to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The department then reviews your case to confirm you meet all other reinstatement requirements — such as completing a DUI education program if required, serving a mandatory waiting period, or passing a vision or written test.

This review typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether your reinstatement was approved or denied. If approved, you will be told how to pick up your new license or have it mailed to you. If denied, the letter will explain why and what you must do before you can reapply.

Additional Costs You May Encounter

The reinstatement fee covers only the administrative cost of processing your request. Other costs may explore depending on your situation. If a DUI education program is required, you will pay $150 to $300 for that course, which must be completed before or shortly after reinstatement. If you need an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, installation and monthly monitoring fees typically run $60 to $150 per month.

If your license was suspended or revoked due to unpaid child support, you may owe back payments or arrears before the state will process your reinstatement. If you owe court fines or restitution, those must be paid separately. Ask the Driver Services office for a complete list of what you owe before you arrive to pay, so you can bring enough money.

How to Pay and Where to Go

You must pay the reinstatement fee in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office. Find the office nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask what documents you need to bring — requirements vary slightly by location and reason for revocation.

Bring your Social Security number, a valid form of ID (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of residence if you have moved since your license was revoked. Bring cash, a check, or a money order in the exact amount owed. Some offices accept debit or credit cards, but this is not may provide, so call first. Do not assume you can pay by mail or online — Tennessee does not offer these options for reinstatement fees.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

The most common mistake is arriving at the Driver Services office without all required documents or without enough money to cover all fees owed. If you owe child support, court fines, or other debts, the office cannot process your reinstatement until those are resolved. Call the office or the department ahead of time to get a complete list.

Another mistake is assuming the fee is the only cost. Many people pay the $250 or $525 fee and then learn they must also complete a DUI education program, install an ignition interlock device, or resolve unpaid fines before reinstatement is final. Plan for these additional costs and timelines — they can add weeks or months to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the reinstatement fee by mail or online?

No. Tennessee requires you to pay the reinstatement fee in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot mail a check or pay online. Call the office nearest you to confirm hours and what documents to bring.

What if I cannot afford the full fee right now?

Tennessee does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount in one payment before your request can be processed. If you owe other debts (child support, court fines), resolve those first — they may be subject to payment plans through the relevant agency.

Do I get the reinstatement fee back if my request is denied?

No. The fee is non-refundable. If your reinstatement is denied, you keep the fee and must address the reason for denial before you can reapply and pay again.

Is the alcohol-related fee the same for all DUI-related revocations?

Yes. The $275 alcohol-related reinstatement fee applies to DUI convictions, breath test refusals, and wet reckless convictions. It does not matter whether it was your first offense or a repeat offense — the fee is the same.

What if my license was revoked for multiple reasons?

You pay the $250 base fee plus any alcohol-related fee if one applies. You do not pay multiple base fees. However, you must resolve all reasons for revocation — such as unpaid child support and a DUI — before reinstatement is approved.