After you have completed the required criteria, paid the required fees ($20 to $228, depending on the situation), and served your license suspension time, you can seek to have your Tennessee driver’s license reinstated through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS). This article will guide you through the procedures, cost, and reinstatement of your drivers license in Tennessee (TN).
Procedures for Tennessee Drivers License Reinstatement
In the state of Tennessee (TN), drivers license reinstatement is governed by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS). In Tennessee, you will often need to finish the following procedures to get your suspended driver’s license back:
- Within 20 days, turn in your license at a driver service location to avoid a $75 fine.
- fulfill the suspension for the full duration.
- Meet all prerequisites for reinstatement, including finishing a defensive driving course and paying any unpaid fines or taxes.
- Reinstatement fees range from $20 to $103 on average.
- Apply to have the license canceled or suspended and issued again via the TDOS.
What to expect: Depending on the offense that initially resulted in the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, you will need to satisfy specific conditions to get your Tennessee license back.
Cost for Reinstatement of Drivers License in Tennessee
Depending on the infraction, Tennessee (TN) drivers license reinstatement costs can range from $25 to $103. Here are some general expectations for you:
- DUIs: $103
- Car accidents without insurance: $25 for property damage or $103 for fatalities or injuries
- Driving without a policy: $65
- Cancelling SR-22: $65
- 12 violation points: $65
Fees for the following may also be required of you:
- An SR-22 filing cost of $50
- If your driver’s license is suspended for more than 20 days, you will be charged a $75 fine.
Reinstatement of a Driving under the Influence License
If you are found guilty of DUI in Tennessee, your license will be suspended for a period of one to eight years. The seriousness of the offense and whether you have ever been convicted of DUI will then determine the precise length of your revocation period.
- First DUI: One year
- Second DUI: Two years
- Third DUI: Six years
- Subsequent DUIs: Eight years
There are many conditions to reinstate a license that has been revoked following a DUI. Apart from fulfilling the required suspension duration, you have to:
- For at least 365 days, verify that the ignition interlock device was installed.
- Obtain a court certification by contacting the court.
- Finish the Drug and Alcohol Education course that was mandated by the court (for repeat offenders only)
- Have SR-22 insurance for a period of three to five years.
- $103 is the reinstatement charge.
Car Accident License Reinstatements
Any of the following situations following a car collision may result in a one-year license suspension in Tennessee:
- Hit-and-run: When an accident occurs that causes fatalities or serious injuries to people, you leave the scene.
- Uninsured in an accident: When there’s property damage, personal injuries, or fatalities in an accident, you cannot present evidence of insurance.
If you can show documentation that you had liability insurance on the day of the accident then you will be able to avoid having your license suspended for uninsured accidents that don’t result in injury, death, or property damage. If not, you will need to fulfill the following conditions:
- Serve the entire mandatory one-year suspension.
- Obtain certification from the court
- Present evidence of sufficient funds in the event of a hit-and-run resulting in property damage or SR-22 insurance in the event of injuries or fatalities.
- Reinstatement fees are $25 for property damage and $103 for fatalities or injuries.
Driving without Reinstating Your Insurance
If you are found guilty of failing to provide documentation proving then you have the minimum amount of insurance required by Tennessee, your license may be suspended permanently.
A suspension is preventable if, within 30 days following your conviction, you present documentation of insurance that was in effect on the date of the infraction.
You will need to take the following actions to regain your license if you were not covered by insurance at the time or missed the 30-day deadline:
- Invest in liability coverage that satisfies Tennessee’s legal standards.
- remit a reinstatement fee of $65
- Revocation of SR-22 insurance license due to noncompliance
Following certain significant crimes (such as a DUI), Tennessee law requires drivers to have SR-22 insurance as proof of financial responsibility. Typically, you have three to five years to keep this coverage in effect.
Anticipate this: Your insurance provider will report the cancellation of your SR-22 insurance as an SR-26 to the Department of Safety if you do so before the necessary coverage term ends. If you fail to submit a fresh SR-22 or provide evidence that you canceled your policy within the allotted 20 days, your license will then suspended permanently.
Within the 20-day window, you must:
- Replicate the SR-22 insurance paperwork.
- Pay the $50 SR-22 cost and the $65 reinstatement fee.
Where to Send Your Documentation for Reinstatement?
You can send in your compliance paperwork and fees online, by fax, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Reinstatement Center.
Online through e-services: Use your TDOS e-services account to log in and upload any required files. Prepare yourself by writing down your date of birth, driver’s license number, Social Security number, and last name.
- In-person: Locate a reinstatement center in your area and bring your paperwork in person.
- Fax: (615) 242-3480 is the fax number for all paperwork related to reinstatement.
- Through the mail: Enclose your complete name, birth date, and driver’s license number with your application and mail it to the address provided below.
Tennessee Drivers License Reinstatement: FAQs
Is it possible to renew a license online in Tennessee?
To expedite the process of reinstatement, utilize the internet. A driver must be aware of their Tennessee driver’s license number and last name exactly as they appear on their license to be eligible for online reinstatement. Furthermore, pay for online reinstatement using a legitimate credit or debit card.
Can I renew my license at the DMV in my area?
You can reinstate your license by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What is the reinstatement fee for a license in Tennessee?
Provide documentation demonstrating that the criminal offense has been resolved or is on a court-approved payment plan. Give up your driver’s license in Tennessee. Restitution costs: $65 for reinstatement, $75 for failure to surrender a license (if relevant).
Does renewing my license require a SR. 22?
Indeed, SR-22 insurance is frequently required to have your driver’s license reissued. The DMV in your state will get proof that you have the necessary auto insurance if you have an SR-22.
Tennessee Drivers License Reinstatement: Conclusion
You shouldn’t expect to get your license back right away, regardless of the route you choose. It usually takes the Financial Responsibility Office five working days to decide whether to approve or deny your application after reviewing your car.
