Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
- Residents of Tennessee dealing with a lost or stolen drivers license are encouraged to report the incident immediately to local police. Reporting the theft or loss can help prevent identity theft, while also providing the driver with a police report. Submit a copy of the police report to the Department of Safety when applying for a duplicate drivers license so the department can have the incident on record as well.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
- Tennessee residents who are looking into applying for drivers licenses in the state have a lot of information to sort through regarding drivers license requirements. For a complete one-stop guide, check out the Tennessee Comprehensive Drivers License Manual.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- How can I renew my drivers license?
- Tennessee residents with expired drivers licenses may renew online, by mail or in person. To renew drivers license online, visit the Tennessee Online Driver Services page. To renew drivers licenses by mail or in person, submit the necessary forms to a local TN Driver Service Location. The Tennessee DMV mails out drivers license renewal notices within 10 weeks of the expiration date with full instructions on how to renew drivers licenses.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- How do I apply for a drivers license?
- Tennessee residents who are trying to apply for drivers licenses in the state must visit a local TN Driver Service center. To get drivers licenses, residents must bring a few supporting documents as well as submit to a vision screening. Additionally, new drivers license holders must pass both the knowledge exam and road skills test.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- How do I get a hardship license?
- Tennessee drivers who have a suspended drivers license and would like to receive a restricted drivers license to use for essential driving tasks (work, religious-related activity or school) must meet certain requirements to be able to apply. Depending on the reason the driver received a drivers licenses suspension, the fees and wait time (time between the assessment of the drivers license suspension and when the driver is eligible to apply for a restricted license) vary. Refer to the restricted license section of the DOS website for more information.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- Residents of Tennessee who have lost or stolen drivers licenses and are members of the military stationed out of state must apply for a duplicate drivers license either online or by mail. To check online application eligibility, visit the Department of Safety s Online Driver Services menu. If ineligible for online drivers license replacement applications, military members should mail their application in to the local county clerk office for their home county in Tennessee. Active-duty military members are also eligible for a Code 30 designation on their license, which allows the military member to use the license without an expiration date.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I obtain a duplicate license?
- Residents of Tennessee dealing with lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses should apply for a drivers license replacement as soon as possible. Depending on the type of license and how many times it has been renewed, drivers may have the options to apply for a duplicate drivers license online, through mail or in person. Drivers who would like to apply for a drivers license replacement online should visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Online Driver Services menu. Drivers who wish to apply for a drivers license replacement by mail or in person should refer to a local county clerk office.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
- Drivers in Tennessee who have a suspended drivers license due to frequent moving violations may reinstate suspended drivers licenses after serving their suspension period. From there, drivers have three options to reinstate suspended drivers licenses: online, by mail or in person. To reinstate suspended drivers licenses online, visit the Tennessee Online Driver Services menu.
To reinstate suspended drivers licenses by mail, send a written request with the driver s full name, date of birth, driver license number, Social Security Number (if applicable), current mailing address, reason for drivers license suspension and a daytime phone number to the following address:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Financial Responsibility
PO BOX 945
Nashville, TN 37202
To reinstate suspended drivers licenses in person, drivers should visit one of the Suspended Drivers License Reinstatement Centers in Davidson County, Knox County, Greene County, Obion County, Hamilton County or Shelby County.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- How do I reinstate my suspended license?
- Residents of Tennessee with suspended drivers licenses can reinstate their licenses in three different ways: online, by mail or in person. To reinstate suspended drivers licenses online, drivers should visit the Tennessee DOS Online Driver Services menu. To reinstate suspended drivers licenses by mail, send a written request with the driver s full name, date of birth, driver license number, Social Security Number (if applicable), current mailing address, reason for drivers license suspension and a daytime phone number to the following address:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Financial Responsibility
PO BOX 945
Nashville, TN 37202
To reinstate suspended drivers licenses in person, drivers should visit one of the Suspended Drivers License Reinstatement Centers in Davidson County, Knox County, Greene County, Obion County, Hamilton County or Shelby County.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- Active-duty military members can renew drivers licenses indefinitely by applying a Code 30 to their drivers licenses. Military members with Code 30 licenses must meet the following criteria:
- Active-duty
- Based outside of Tennessee
- License hasn t been surrendered, suspended or canceled
Tennessee military members who would like to place a Code 30 on their drivers license must submit a notarized copy of their military card (front and back) and a copy of their military orders verifying the active duty status. Discharged military members must renew their licenses within 60 days.
Military members applying for a Code 30 should send the required documents to:
Tennessee Department of Safety
Cashier s Office
PO Box 945
Nashville, TN 37202
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
- Non-U.S. citizens follow the same procedures for drivers license replacement as U.S. citizens in Tennessee. However, drivers who hold a Temporary Driver License or Temporary Identification License must apply for a duplicate drivers license in person at a local county clerk office. There, drivers will be required to provide proof of current legal presence in the U.S., as well as two proofs of Tennessee residency.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
- Residents of Tennessee who have lost or stolen drivers licenses while out of state can apply for a duplicate drivers license either online or through the mail depending on the type of license they have and whether or not they ve had an online replacement before. Online Driver Services are available on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security s website. Addresses for mailing in drivers license replacement application are available for each local county clerk office.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- How does the DMV check my vision?
- Residents of Tennessee applying for drivers licenses must submit to a vision screening test upon applying in person at a local TN Driver Service center. During the test, officials will check to make sure the driver has at least 20/40 vision in each individual eye as well as both eyes together. Applicants who do not pass the test must visit an eye specialist before receiving a drivers license.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
- Drivers in Tennessee with valid drivers licenses are subject to BAC tests by law enforcement officials under implied consent regulations. Drivers who refuse a BAC test are automatically given a one-year drivers license suspension. To reinstate suspended drivers licenses after a BAC test refusal, drivers must serve the entire suspension then pay their suspended drivers license reinstatement fee. Drivers with suspended drivers licenses for this reason are eligible for a restricted license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
- Tennessee drivers with approaching expiration dates should receive drivers license renewal notices in the mail within 10 weeks of their license expiring. However, drivers can apply for drivers license renewal up to a year prior to their expiration date.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
- Tennessee drivers with lost or stolen drivers licenses who have filed a police report and provided a copy to the Tennessee Department of Safety are not eligible to have their replacement fee waived. However, having a police report on file (especially in the case of stolen drivers licenses) can help drivers avoid future identity theft situations.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- Is there an age limit to renew your license?
- Tennessee residents with regular class D drivers licenses must meet certain age requirements to receive their initial licenses. There is no age limit for when a resident can renew a license. Senior drivers may renew indefinitely as long as they are able to pass the vision screening.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
- Residents of Tennessee applying for drivers license replacements in person will receive their duplicate drivers licenses at the local county clerk office where they submit their application. Drivers who submit their application online or by mail will receive their duplicate drivers license within three weeks. The license will be mailed to the address on record for the individual if they still reside at the same address printed on the original drivers license. Military members who are out of state will have their drivers licenses sent to whichever address they provide on the drivers license replacement application.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
- Senior drivers in Tennessee whose drivers license has expired are subject to the same drivers license renewal policies as every other legal driver in the state. Drivers can renew their drivers licenses either online at a TN Driver Service center. When renewing online, drivers should print out the confirmation page they receive at the end of the drivers license application process to serve as their drivers license until the physical license arrives in the mail.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
- Tennessee drivers who violate certain laws while on the road will be assessed a suspended drivers license by the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS). Drivers license suspensions can be the result of a number of violations including:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Excessive moving violations
- Operating a motor vehicle without state-mandated car insurance
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Reckless driving, illegal street racing or other driving-related violations
- Operating a motor vehicle without a driver s license
- Failing to pay child support
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
- Drivers in Tennessee with suspended drivers licenses are prohibited from operating motor vehicles until the suspended drivers license reinstatement. Drivers who operate motor vehicles with a suspended drivers license can be charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. Drivers are charged with Class B misdemeanors for a first offense which includes penalties of six months jail time and a $500 fine. For a second offense in 10 years, a Class A misdemeanor is assessed with penalties including up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a maximum $2,500 fine.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
- Tennessee drivers who have lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses must apply for a duplicate drivers license with a local county clerk office. Application materials should include the drivers license replacement fee of $8 for an initial duplicate drivers license, while subsequent drivers license fees are $12 (fees may vary).
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
- Fees for suspended drivers license reinstatement in Tennessee vary on the reason the drivers license suspension was assessed in the first place. To find out how much the fees for a suspended drivers license are, contact a local TN Driver Service Location or visit the DOS Online Driver Services menu.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
- Drivers in Tennessee are eligible for restricted licenses after committing certain offenses that result in a suspended drivers license. Restricted licenses are available to drivers with suspended drivers licenses as a result of the following:
- 18 to 20 years old with a first or second alcohol beverage offense
- DrugFree Youth Act first or second drug offense
- Court-ordered suspension
- DUI first or second offense (must wait 90 days for first offense before applying, one year for second)
- Leaving scene of accident
- Frequent traffic violations
- Implied consent refusal to test blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Drag racing
- Failure to pay citation
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
- Residents of Tennessee who are applying for drivers licenses in the state will have to take both a knowledge exam and a road skills test to receive their drivers license. Residents who fail either the written test, road test or both must wait seven days before they can return to take them again. The seven day waiting period applies to every attempt made after the first as well.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
- Residents of Tennessee looking to get drivers licenses must bring a few supporting documents with them when visiting the local TN Driver Service center. Documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (or, if not U.S. citizen, proof of lawful permanent resident status or proof of authorized stay in U.S.)
- Two proofs of identity (one primary)
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Two proofs of Tennessee residency
- Social Security number or sworn Social Security affidavit
- (if no Social Security Number)
- New drivers license fee of $19.50 (fees may vary)
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
- Drivers applying to renew driving licenses online must provide their driver s license number as well as their Social Security Number. Drivers who are applying in person should bring either their expired drivers license or two proofs of identity if the expired license isn t present.
Tennessee drivers who are applying for drivers license renewals by mail will need to provide the following:
- Letter with full name, address, date of birth, phone number and Tennessee driver s license number
- Two proofs of identity (notarized copies)
- Proof of inability to apply in-person (i.e. military ID)
- Check or money order for drivers license renewal fee.
Drivers license renewal fees vary by license type. Renewal notices are sent out to Tennessee drivers approximately 10 weeks before the driver s license expiration date.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
- Drivers in Tennessee who have lost, damaged or stolen drivers licenses will need to apply for a duplicate drivers license either online or through a local county clerk office. Required documents and fees when applying for a drivers license replacement include:
- Proof of identity
- Required documentation for proof of any changes to drivers license information (date of birth, gender and name)
- $8 fee for first duplicate, $12 for subsequent duplicates (fees may vary)
If the lost or stolen drivers license was set to expire within a year, drivers may simply renew their drivers license instead of applying for a duplicate.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- What languages is the written test available in?
- When applying for drivers licenses in Tennessee, residents must take a number of tests. One of these tests is the general knowledge exam, which is administered either orally or on paper. For residents of Tennessee who do not speak English or don t speak English as a first language, the test is available in the following alternate languages:
- Spanish
- Korean
- Japanese
To take the tests, visit a local TN Driver Service center.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
- Drivers license renewal notices are mailed out to residents approximately 10 weeks prior to the expiration date. Residents who allow their drivers licenses to expire for more than 30 days before renewing are subject to a late fee (fees may vary). Additionally, driving with an expired license is treated the same by law enforcement as driving with no license at all.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
- A renewed drivers license is mailed out within three weeks of processing a renewal request. Drivers are urged not to apply online or mail drivers license renewals within 21 days of their license expiration date, as the new drivers license may not arrive before the old license is expired. Drivers who have not received their new license should contact a local TN Driver Service Location.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
- New drivers license applicants in Tennessee are subject to a couple of tests before they can receive driving licenses. The tests include a general knowledge exam as well as a road skills test. In addition, residents have to submit to a vision screening. To take the tests, visit a local TN Driver Service center. Tests are available orally as well as on paper. Residents must wait seven days after failing a test before reattempting it.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- What type of noncommercial license will I need?
- Tennessee residents who would like to apply for drivers licenses will most likely receive a regular class D drivers license. Additionally, residents under 18 will be applying for drivers licenses that are either learner s permits or intermediate drivers licenses until they have reached the required age and experience level to receive a regular drivers license. There are also class M motorcycle driving licenses available for those Tennessee residents who own motorcycles.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
- Drivers in Tennessee who have suspended drivers licenses must wait until their suspension period is over. Once the suspension period has passed, drivers are able to reinstate suspended drivers licenses either online at the Tennessee DOS website or by visiting a local TN Driver Service Location that processes suspended drivers license reinstatements. Drivers may also call the toll-free DOS phone line at 866-903-7357, or mail a written request to:
Tennessee Department of Safety
Financial Responsibility Division
1150 Foster Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Written requests should include the driver s full name, date of birth, driver license number, Social Security Number (if applicable), current mailing address, reason for drivers license suspension and a daytime phone number.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- When will I need to renew my license?
- Tennessee drivers licenses are typically valid for five years, with the expiration date taking place on the drivers birthday of the final year. Temporary drivers permits are valid for one year from the date they are issued. Drivers license renewal notices are mailed out approximately 10 week prior to the license expiration date.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
- Residents of Tennessee who have applied for a drivers license replacement in person will receive their duplicate drivers license at the local county clerk office the same day of application. Drivers who apply for duplicate drivers licenses online or through the mail should wait three weeks for the license to arrive before contacting the Department of Safety. Drivers are urged not to apply by mail or online less than 21 days before the expiration date of the drivers license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Tennessee Driver’s License or ID Card
- Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
- Residents of Tennessee who would like to check if they have been assessed a drivers license suspension may check the status of their drivers license by visiting the Tennessee Online Driver Services. At the Tennessee Online Driver Services menu, drivers may also renew drivers licenses, order duplicate licenses, change the address on their drivers licenses and pay suspended drivers license reinstatement fees.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Tennessee
- Where can I find the DMV locations?
- Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:
- Where can I get a new drivers license?
- Tennessee residents who would like to apply for drivers licenses can apply at a local TN Driver Service center. Residents should bring all required documentation when they arrive to apply for drivers licenses, as well as prepare for any required tests. Residents should also make sure to bring the new drivers license fee of $19.50 (fees may vary).
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Tennessee
- Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
- Tennessee residents who are renewing drivers licenses in the state are not regularly required to submit to a vision screening during the drivers license renewal process. However, senior drivers will be asked during each drivers license renewal period to submit to a vision screening. Drivers whose vision does not meet the 20/40 standard will be required to consult a vision specialist before they can renew drivers licenses.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee
- Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
- The Tennessee Department of Safety sends out, as a courtesy, drivers license renewal notices to all drivers approximately 10 weeks prior to their license expiration date. Drivers license renewal notices provide all the information necessary for residents to renew drivers licenses.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Tennessee