What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Tennessee
To reinstate your Tennessee driver's license, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH), pay any reinstatement fees owed, and resolve the reason your license was suspended or revoked. The exact steps depend on why your license was taken away — whether it was a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, a revocation for DUI, or another violation. Tennessee does not allow online reinstatement for most cases, so you will need to visit a TDSH office in person or work through their mail-in process for certain situations.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks once you have submitted all required documents and fees. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period, but most require you to take action. If your license was suspended for unpaid child support or traffic fines, you must first resolve those debts before TDSH will process your reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a TDSH office in person or use their mail-in process to reinstate; online reinstatement is not available for most suspension types.
- Reinstatement fees in Tennessee range from $100 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay these fees before your license is restored.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, child support, or court costs, you must resolve those debts first or provide proof of payment to TDSH.
- Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a waiting period, but you should contact TDSH to confirm your suspension status before visiting an office.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason for your suspension when you begin the reinstatement process.
Determine Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
Your first step is to find out the exact reason TDSH suspended or revoked your license. Common reasons include unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, DUI conviction, accumulation of points, or failure to maintain insurance. You can check your suspension status by calling the TDSH Driver Services line at 615-251-8590 or visiting a TDSH office in person. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
The reason for your suspension determines what you must do before reinstatement. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or child support, you cannot proceed until those debts are paid or a payment plan is in place. If it was revoked for DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or install an ignition interlock device. If it was suspended for accumulating too many points, you may only need to pay the reinstatement fee and wait out any required waiting period.
Resolve Any Outstanding Debts or Court Orders
Before TDSH will reinstate your license, you must settle any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or child support obligations that led to the suspension. Contact the court that issued the citation or the child support enforcement office to find out the exact amount owed. You can pay fines directly to the court, by mail, or in person. Once paid, ask the court or enforcement office for written proof of payment — you will need this when you explore for reinstatement.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court clerk's office to ask about this option. Once a payment plan is approved, you may be able to proceed with reinstatement, though TDSH may require proof that you are current on the plan. Do not skip this step; TDSH will not process your reinstatement if outstanding debts remain.
Pay the Tennessee Reinstatement Fee
Tennessee charges a reinstatement fee that varies based on the reason for suspension. Standard reinstatement fees range from $100 to $250. A suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $100 to $150 to reinstate, while a revocation for DUI may cost $250 or more. You must pay this fee in addition to any outstanding fines or court costs. TDSH accepts payment by cash, check, or money order at their offices, and some offices accept credit or debit cards.
If you are using the mail-in process, send a check or money order payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security along with your reinstatement request form. Do not send cash by mail. Keep a copy of your payment receipt or cancelled check as proof that you paid the fee.
Complete Required Programs or Conditions
Depending on the reason for your suspension or revocation, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement. If your license was revoked for DUI, Tennessee requires you to complete a substance abuse program approved by the state. The program length depends on whether it was a first or subsequent offense. You must provide TDSH with a certificate of completion from the program before your license will be reinstated.
If your revocation was for DUI and you want to drive before the full revocation period ends, you may be able to obtain a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or court. This requires installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Contact a TDSH office for details on restricted license requirements in your situation.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to TDSH
You can reinstate your license by visiting a TDSH Driver Services office in person or by mail. To find the office nearest you, visit the TDSH website or call 615-251-8590. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, proof of payment for the reinstatement fee, proof that any outstanding debts have been paid, and any certificates or documents required by your suspension type (such as a substance abuse program certificate for DUI revocations).
If you choose to reinstate by mail, send a letter to the TDSH Driver Services office requesting reinstatement. Include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, copies of proof of payment for the reinstatement fee, and copies of proof that any outstanding debts have been resolved. Mail your request to the address provided on the TDSH website. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks.
Wait for Confirmation and Receive Your Reinstated License
After you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents, TDSH will review your case. If everything is in order, your suspension or revocation will be lifted and your license will be reinstated. If you applied in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot that allows you to drive while your new license is being printed. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If you applied by mail, you will receive written confirmation from TDSH once your reinstatement is complete. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not hear from TDSH within four weeks, call 615-251-8590 to check the status of your request. Keep your temporary permit or confirmation letter with you while driving until your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
If you explore in person at a TDSH office, you may receive a temporary driving permit that day if your reinstatement is approved. This permit allows you to drive while your new license is printed and mailed. If you explore by mail, you cannot drive until TDSH confirms your reinstatement in writing and your new license arrives.
What if I cannot pay my outstanding fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the citation to ask about a payment plan. Once the court approves a plan and you are current on payments, you may be able to proceed with reinstatement. Bring proof of the approved payment plan to the TDSH office or include it with your mail-in request.
How long does reinstatement take?
In-person reinstatement at a TDSH office typically takes one to two hours, and you may receive a temporary permit the same day. Mail-in reinstatement takes three to four weeks from the date TDSH receives your request. Your new permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks after approval.
Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license?
No, you do not need to retake the written or road test for standard reinstatement. However, if your license was suspended for medical reasons or if TDSH has specific concerns about your driving ability, they may require a vision test or medical evaluation.
What if my license was suspended for unpaid child support?
Contact the child support enforcement office to find out the amount owed and whether a payment plan is available. Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, bring proof to a TDSH office or include it with your mail-in request. TDSH will verify with the enforcement office that your account is current before processing reinstatement.