What you need to do to get your license back in Memphis
To reinstate your driver's license in Memphis, you'll work with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH). The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Each situation has different requirements before TDSH will restore your driving privileges.
The process always starts the same way: you must find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you need to do to clear it. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back. You have to address the underlying issue first — whether that means paying court fines, completing a safety course, serving a waiting period, or getting an SR-22 insurance certificate.
Once you've met all the requirements for your particular suspension, you'll submit a reinstatement request to TDSH, either in person at a Memphis driver services office or by mail. There is a reinstatement fee, and processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The reason your license was suspended determines what you must do before reinstatement — there is no single path that works for everyone.
- You must contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or the court that suspended your license to learn your specific requirements.
- Common reinstatement requirements include paying court fines, completing a defensive driving course, waiting out a suspension period, or obtaining SR-22 insurance.
- Once you've met all requirements, you submit a reinstatement request and pay a fee; processing usually takes one to two weeks.
- You can reinstate your license in person at a Memphis driver services office or by mail to the TDSH office.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can move forward, you need to know the exact reason TDSH suspended or revoked your license. This information determines everything that comes next. You can find this out by calling the TDSH Customer Service Center at 615-251-8590 or by visiting a driver services office in Memphis in person.
When you contact them, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must complete before reinstatement is possible. Write down the specific requirements — do not rely on memory for this step.
Common suspension reasons in Tennessee include accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within 24 months, driving under the influence (DUI), unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Each has different reinstatement steps.
Meet the requirements for your suspension type
Once you know why your license was suspended, you'll need to complete the specific requirements for that reason. This is the longest part of the reinstatement process for most people.
For point accumulation suspensions: You must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 to 365 days depending on how many points you had) and then complete a defensive driving course approved by Tennessee. The course can be taken online or in a classroom. After you finish the course, you'll receive a completion certificate that you'll need when you request reinstatement.
For DUI suspensions: You must complete an alcohol and drug education program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (for certain DUI convictions), and obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate from your insurance company. The SR-22 proves you have the minimum required liability coverage. You'll also need to wait out any mandatory suspension period set by the court.
For unpaid fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Shelby County Clerk's office to find out the exact amount owed. Pay the full amount, and request a receipt or proof of payment. Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay in full at once.
For failure to maintain insurance: Obtain a new auto insurance policy and get an SR-22 certificate from your insurance company. The SR-22 must be filed with TDSH before your reinstatement can be processed.
Gather your documents and submit your reinstatement request
Once you've completed all requirements for your suspension type, collect the documents that prove you've done so. These typically include your defensive driving course completion certificate, SR-22 insurance certificate, proof of paid fines, or proof of program completion — whatever applies to your situation.
You have two options for submitting your reinstatement request: in person or by mail. If you go in person, visit a driver services office in Memphis. The main office is located at 1150 Foster Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. Bring your completed documents, your driver's license (if you have it), and a valid form of identification. You'll also need to pay the reinstatement fee, which is currently $50 for most suspensions, though some DUI-related reinstatements cost more.
If you prefer to submit by mail, send your documents and the reinstatement fee to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. Include a letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement and listing all the requirements you have completed. Keep copies of everything you send.
Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date TDSH receives your request. You can call 615-251-8590 to check the status of your reinstatement request.
What happens after your license is reinstated
Once TDSH approves your reinstatement, you'll receive notification in the mail. If your physical license was suspended (not revoked), you may be able to use it when ready. If your license was revoked, you'll need to take the written test and road test again to earn a new license, even after reinstatement is approved.
Check your reinstatement approval letter carefully — it will tell you whether you need to take a test. If you do, you'll schedule an appointment at a Memphis driver services office to take the written exam first, then the road test. You'll pay the standard testing fees for each.
If you had an SR-22 requirement, remember that you must maintain that insurance for the full period required by the court or TDSH — usually three years. If your SR-22 lapses, your license will be suspended again automatically.
Contact information for Memphis driver services
The main driver services office in Memphis is at 1150 Foster Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. You can reach TDSH Customer Service at 615-251-8590 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. If you need to pay court fines, contact the Shelby County Clerk's office at 901-545-2700.
For questions about a specific court case or traffic ticket, contact the court that issued the citation. If your suspension was related to child support, contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until TDSH approves your reinstatement request and sends you written approval. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional charges and fines. Wait for the approval letter before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay my court fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts in Shelby County will allow you to pay in installments. You may also be able to request a hearing to discuss your financial situation. Call the Shelby County Clerk's office at 901-545-2700 to ask about options.
Do I have to take the driving test again after reinstatement?
Only if your license was revoked rather than suspended. If it was suspended, you can usually drive when ready after reinstatement approval. Your reinstatement letter will specify whether you need to test. Call TDSH at 615-251-8590 if your letter is unclear.
How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?
The timeline depends on your suspension reason. If you need to complete a course or wait out a suspension period, that can take weeks or months. Once you submit your reinstatement request, TDSH typically processes it in one to two weeks. Plan for at least one to three months total.
What if I moved out of state — can I still reinstate my Tennessee license?
Yes. You can submit your reinstatement request by mail to the TDSH office in Memphis. However, if you now live in another state and want to drive there, you may need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their rules about out-of-state reinstatement.