What to Do when ready After Your License Is Suspended in Tennessee
When the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security suspends your license, you cannot legally drive in Tennessee or most other states. Your first step is to find out why your license was suspended—the reason determines what you must do to restore it. Tennessee suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. You can check your suspension status and the reason online through the Tennessee Driver License Check system at tdlr.tn.gov, or call the Driver License Section at 615-741-3954.
Do not ignore the suspension notice. Driving on a suspended license in Tennessee is a criminal offense that carries fines up to $500, possible jail time, and an additional license suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. The longer you wait to address the suspension, the more complicated and expensive the process becomes.
Key Takeaways
- Check the reason for your suspension through the Tennessee Driver License Check system or by calling 615-741-3954 before taking any action.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue—pay fines, appear in court, or settle child support—before the state will lift the suspension.
- You must visit a Driver License office in person to request reinstatement once the suspension reason is resolved; you cannot do this by mail or online.
- Bring proof that the suspension cause has been cleared, such as a court receipt, payment confirmation, or letter from the child support office.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 is required at the time you request restoration of your license.
Resolving the Suspension Reason in Shelby County
The action you take depends entirely on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk's office at 901-545-5300 to confirm the exact amount and payment methods. You can pay in person at the courthouse (160 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103), by phone, or online through the court's payment portal. Request a receipt or payment confirmation—you will need this to prove the debt is cleared.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must appear before the judge to resolve the case. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice when ready. Depending on the charge, the judge may dismiss the case, allow you to plead, or reschedule your hearing. Once the court resolves the case, ask the clerk for written confirmation that the failure-to-appear charge has been cleared.
For suspensions related to unpaid child support, contact the Tennessee Child Support Services office at 1-800-621-7818 or visit the local office in Shelby County. You must bring your case number and proof of income. The office will calculate what you owe and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. Once you have made arrangements or paid in full, request a letter confirming your account status.
Medical Suspensions and Reporting Requirements
If your license was suspended due to a medical condition—such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or vision problems—the process is different. Tennessee requires a physician's report before you can drive again. You must see a doctor licensed in Tennessee and have them complete the Medical Examination Report form (available at tdlr.tn.gov). The doctor will evaluate whether you are medically safe to drive and submit the report directly to the Department of Safety.
Some medical suspensions are temporary and lift automatically once the condition improves and a doctor confirms it. Others may require periodic recertification. If you are unsure whether your suspension is medical, the Driver License Section can tell you when you call 615-741-3954. Do not attempt to renew or restore your license until the medical clearance is in place—the DMV will reject your request without it.
Visiting a Driver License Office to Restore Your License
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must visit a Driver License office in person to request reinstatement. In the Memphis area, the main office is located at 1414 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sundays and state holidays). Bring your current ID, proof that the suspension cause has been resolved, and payment for the $100 reinstatement fee.
The staff will verify that your suspension reason has been cleared in the state system. This verification can take a few minutes to several hours depending on whether the court, child support office, or medical provider has updated the state records. If the records show the issue is still unresolved, you will not be able to restore your license that day. Ask the staff how long the update typically takes and when you should return.
Once reinstatement is approved, you will pay the $100 fee and receive a new license or a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you. Keep the temporary permit with you at all times while driving—it is your proof that your suspension has been lifted.
Point-Based Suspensions and Defensive Driving Courses
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may have the option to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course. Tennessee allows one course reduction per five-year period. The course must be approved by the Department of Safety; look for the list of approved providers at tdlr.tn.gov. Courses are offered online and in-person and typically cost between $20 and $50.
Completing the course does not automatically restore your license—you still must visit a Driver License office and pay the $100 reinstatement fee. However, the course removes points from your record, which can prevent future suspensions and may lower your insurance rates. If you are close to another suspension threshold, taking the course now can protect your driving privileges later.
Hardship Permits and Restricted Driving Privileges
While your license is suspended, you may be able to obtain a hardship permit that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Hardship permits are not automatic—you must request one at a Driver License office and demonstrate a genuine need. Bring documentation such as an employment letter showing your work address and hours, school enrollment papers, or medical appointment letters.
A hardship permit is temporary and valid only for the specific purposes you listed. You cannot use it for personal errands, social activities, or any driving outside the approved reasons. The permit costs $20 and is valid for up to one year. If your suspension is lifted before the permit expires, the permit becomes invalid and you can use your regular license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license after I pay the fine?
If you pay in person at the court and the clerk updates the state system when ready, you may be able to restore your license the same day. However, court systems can take 24 to 48 hours to report payment to the state. Call the court before visiting the Driver License office to confirm the payment has been recorded in the state system.
Can I drive to the Driver License office to request reinstatement?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even to reach the DMV. Use public transportation, ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use a rideshare service. Some Driver License offices offer appointment scheduling, which can reduce wait times—call ahead to ask.
What if I cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee right away?
The Driver License Section does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee. However, if you have resolved the underlying suspension cause, you can ask the office staff whether any fee waivers or reductions are available based on financial hardship. Bring documentation of your income if you plan to request a waiver.
Do I need to retake the written test or driving test to restore my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test unless your license has expired or your suspension was for a medical reason that required a doctor's clearance. In that case, you may need to pass a vision test or other screening, but not the full written or driving exam.
What happens if I get caught driving on a suspended license?
You will face criminal charges, a fine of up to $500, possible jail time, and an additional suspension period added to your existing one. Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will have to pay towing and storage fees. The best course of action is to resolve the suspension when ready and obtain a hardship permit if you need to drive.