How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Tennessee DUI Conviction

 

If you have been convicted of a Tennessee DUI, you will have your driver’s license suspended for one to five years, depending on how many past DUI convictions you have and your level of blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. This can be a stressful situation, making everything from going to work to running errands difficult. So understanding the steps you need to take once your driver’s license suspension is over in order to get your driving privileges back is important.

 

Procedure for Tennessee Driver’s License Reinstatement

 

You should receive a list of requirements to have your driver’s license reinstated. For example, you may need to complete jail time, pay fines, do community service, attending drug and alcohol treatment, or get an ignition interlock device installed. Every case is a little different, so you should contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the specific requirements for your case.

 

When it’s time, you can pay your reinstatement fees online via credit card or debit card. You will also need your driver license number. Any requirements that need to be sent in can be faxed via (615) 253-2093.

 

Be aware that you don’t have to pay the reinstatement fee at once. If you’d prefer you can make partial payments over time, but your driver’s license will not be reinstated until the whole amount is paid. Don’t drive until you receive notice that your payment and all other reinstatement requirements have been processed by the Department of Safety.

 

Restricted Driver’s License in Tennessee

 

You may be eligible for a Tennessee restricted driver’s license to drive to and from work or school only if you have no previous DUI convictions or driver’s license suspensions or revocations. You must also have had car insurance at the time of your DUI arrest. You will also have to file an SR-22 form, pay a $67 fee, and take the driver’s license exams. Contact the DOS to see if you qualify.

 

SR-22 Insurance Filing

 

As a condition of your driver’s license reinstatement in Tennessee, you may be asked to show proof of financial responsibility in the form of an SR-22 insurance filing. You can usually do this easily by contacting your insurance provider. The company can adjust your insurance policy to ensure that you meet the minimum required liability coverage that the state has specified. Then they will file the SR-22 forms with Tennessee. If you don’t maintain this policy for the required amount of time, the insurance provider will inform the state, and your driver’s license will be suspended again.

 

Ignition Interlock Program Requirements

 

After a second Tennessee DUI conviction, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device on your car for six months after your driver’s license is reinstated. You will be responsible for all fees related to the installation and maintenance of this device.

 

Learn More about Tennessee Driver’s License Reinstatement

 

Since every case is a little different, you may have further questions about how to meet the requirements of your case. Additionally, the process for reinstatement can be more complicated if you had high blood alcohol content, multiple past DUI convictions, or a case that involves a fatality. In these situations, it can be beneficial to hire a Tennessee DUI attorney to look at your case and give you advice on how to protect your driving privileges.

 

You can also contact the Tennessee Department of Safety with your questions using the following contact information:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Financial Responsibility Division
P.O. Box 945
Nashville, TN 37202
(615) 741-3954
FinResp.Safety@state.tn.us