How to learn about your Tennessee license is suspended right now
You can check your Tennessee driver's license status online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) website without paying a fee. Go to the TDOSHS online services portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will tell you whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you cannot access the online system or want to speak to someone directly, you can call the TDOSHS Driver Services office at 615-251-8590 during business hours. Have your license number ready. They will tell you the reason for the suspension and how long it will last.
A third option is to visit a TDOSHS Driver Services office in person. You can find the location nearest you on the TDOSHS website. Bring your license or ID so staff can look up your record when ready.
Key Takeaways
- The TDOSHS online portal is the fastest way to check your suspension status and requires only your license number and birth date.
- If your license is suspended, the system or staff will tell you the reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or another cause.
- You cannot legally drive in Tennessee or any other state while your license is suspended, even if you are out of state.
- The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended and vary from paying fines to completing a DUI program.
What the online status check will tell you
When you look up your license status, you will see one of four outcomes: active (no suspension), suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If it shows suspended, the system may display the reason and the date the suspension will end — though not all reasons come with an automatic end date.
Common reasons for suspension in Tennessee include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, a medical suspension ordered by a doctor or the state, a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, points accumulation from traffic violations, or failure to maintain car insurance. Each reason has different rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to restore your license.
If the online system does not show a reason or end date, call TDOSHS directly. Staff can explain what triggered the suspension and what steps you need to take next.
Why you cannot drive legally while suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Tennessee is a separate crime from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If you are pulled over, you face fines, possible jail time, and additional charges that make your situation worse. The suspension applies everywhere — not just in Tennessee — so you cannot legally drive in another state to avoid it.
Insurance companies also will not cover you if you cause an accident while driving on a suspended license. This means you are personally liable for all damages, medical bills, and legal costs. Even a minor accident can result in a lawsuit that follows you for years.
Steps to restore your license after suspension
The process depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed, then request reinstatement through TDOSHS. If it was suspended for failure to pay child support, the child support agency must notify TDOSHS that you are current before your license is restored.
For a medical suspension, a doctor must clear you to drive, and you submit that clearance to TDOSHS. For a DUI suspension, you must complete a substance abuse treatment program (if required), pay reinstatement fees, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. For a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period, which typically lasts 12 months.
After you have met the requirements, you can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. There is usually a reinstatement fee of $100 to $150, depending on the reason for suspension. TDOSHS will mail you a new license once the reinstatement is processed.
What happens if you ignore a suspension
Ignoring a suspension does not make it go away. The longer you wait, the more consequences pile up. If you are stopped while driving suspended, you will be cited, and the charge goes on your record. If you accumulate multiple driving-while-suspended charges, you face felony charges and jail time.
A suspension also affects your ability to renew your vehicle registration. When you try to renew your tags, the system will flag your suspended license and deny the renewal. This creates a cycle where you cannot legally drive or register a vehicle until the suspension is lifted.
If you have a suspended license and are unsure how to restore it, contact TDOSHS as soon as possible. The sooner you address the underlying reason — whether that is paying fines, completing a program, or providing proof of insurance — the sooner you can drive legally again.
Driving with a restricted or hardship license
In some cases, Tennessee allows you to drive on a restricted license or hardship license while your full license is suspended. This is not automatic — you must request it and meet specific conditions. A restricted license typically allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs.
To request a restricted license, you must show TDOSHS that the suspension causes genuine hardship — for example, you cannot reach your job without driving. You will need to provide proof of employment, school enrollment, or medical treatment. The restricted license comes with an expiration date and strict rules about where and when you can drive.
Not all suspension reasons allow a restricted license. DUI suspensions, for instance, usually do not may have access to unless you install an ignition interlock device. Ask TDOSHS whether your suspension type allows a restricted license when you call or visit.
Insurance and your suspended license
If your license is suspended, your car insurance will likely be cancelled or non-renewed. Insurance companies monitor license status and will drop you if you are suspended. Once your license is restored, you will need to contact your insurance company and request reinstatement or purchase a new policy.
Some insurers will reinstate you when ready after your license is restored. Others may require you to pay a new premium or accept a higher rate. If you cannot find an insurer willing to cover you after a suspension, you may need to look for a high-risk insurance company, which charges more but will write a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my license status if I lost my license number?
Yes. Call TDOSHS at 615-251-8590 with your full name and date of birth, and staff can look up your record. You can also visit a Driver Services office in person with a photo ID, and they will find your information in the system.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. A points suspension typically lasts 12 months. A child support suspension lasts until you are current. A medical suspension ends when a doctor clears you. A DUI suspension can last 12 months or longer. Call TDOSHS to find out the specific end date for your suspension.
What if I was suspended in another state — does it affect my Tennessee license?
Yes. Tennessee participates in the Driver License Compact, which shares suspension information between states. If your license is suspended in another state, Tennessee will suspend your Tennessee license too. You must resolve the suspension in the state where it occurred.
Can I get my license back early if I pay a fee?
No. You cannot pay to shorten a suspension period. You must meet the specific requirements for your reason of suspension — whether that is waiting out the time, paying fines, completing a program, or providing proof of insurance. After you meet those requirements, you pay the reinstatement fee to restore your license.
What should I do if I think my license was suspended by mistake?
Contact TDOSHS when ready by phone or in person. Explain why you believe the suspension is an error. Staff will review your record and can correct it if there was a mistake. Bring any documents that support your case, such as proof of payment or proof of insurance.