Driver License
Related Fees

Basics of Driver License Fees

  1. Find your license status in Tennessee
    https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/#1 . 

  2. Obtain a copy of your Motor Vehicle Driving Record
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/mvr.html. 

  3. Contact Drivers’ License Clerks By County 
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations/county.html 

Reasons for Suspension/Revocation

Failure to pay court costs and fees: In Tennessee, failure to pay certain court fines and fees will result in a suspension of your driver's license. Even if you are on a payment plan with the court clerk to satisfy your fees, missing one payment will result in a report being issued to the Dept of Safety and your license being suspended. 

  • What court fines and fees result in suspension if not paid?

    • Unsatisfied judgement aaas aa result of a crash. 

    • Failure to satisfy a traffic citation. 

    • Default on a payment plan for citation or for restricted license. 

    • Failure to satisfy fines, costs, and taxes on a criminal offense. 

  • How do I avoid license suspensions? Ensure you are making a payment on your court costs and fees by the deadline every month. If you are unable to pay the full monthly amount, make sure to pay something to stay on track.

DUI Offenses will result in your license being revoked in Tennessee and suspended for a period ranging from one year to many depending on the level of the offense you are convicted of.  

What To Do If You Received a Citation

If you receive a state citation, or a Metro city citation, this can result in your license being suspended until the citation has been resolved. Each citation will result in a separate suspension and require separate fees for reinstatement as described in the section below.

General sessions or Traffic Violations Bureau.

  • A state citation is a citation that will be addressed in general sessions court in Davidson County. This citation will be reflected by a “SCE” followed by the citation number.

    • Example of a SCE Citation: SCE Citation.pdf

    • Don’t know what type of citation you have? Check or citation or Contact the Clerk https://ccc.nashville.gov/contact-us/contact-the-clerk/

  • A city citation is handled separately by the Traffic Violations Bureau. This citation is reflected by a “K” followed by a citation number.

    • Example of a K Citation: K Citation.pdf

    • Don't know what type of citation you have? Check your citation or contact the Clerk:https://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/contact-us/

Hearings on citations

  • General Sessions Court SCE Citations (2).pdf

    • For a state citation, you are required to be booked. Your booking date will be listed on your citation.

    • Once you are booked, you will receive a court date for you to appear before the judge on your citation. receive a court date for you to appear before the judge on your citation. receive a court

  • Traffic Violations Bureau

    • Your city citation will include a “trial date” which is the deadline to pay the citation. If you want to actually appear before the court, you will need to request a hearing.

    • Request a Hearing Before Citation Due Date? Contact Clerk: https://circuitclerk.nashville.gov/contact-us/

    • Request a Hearing After Citation Due Date: (Form for Motions- Traffic Violations Bureau Davidson Co.pdf)

      • Need help filing out this form?: How to Guide to Filing Out TVB Form for Hearing (2).pdf

      • What to expect at this initial hearing? What to Expect at Initial Hearing.pdf

      • How to prepare for trial date How to Prepare for Trial In Front of The Traffic Violations Bureau.pdf

Getting Your License Back

If you have multiple issues affecting your license, such as unpaid citations, you will receive a separate suspension for each. This means you will be required to pay a $65 dollar reinstatement fee for each offense.

  • You should contact the Department of Safety before paying your reinstatement fee to find out if you have multiple suspensions, which will subject you to multiple reinstatement fees.

  • By phone per county:
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations/county.html

  • Need a payment plan for your reinstatement fees?
    https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/safety/driver-services/reinstatements/frlocations/frinstallment.html

  • Compliance Documents:
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/reinstatements.html

  • Involved in an Accident in Tennessee?
    DOS Owner Operator Report.pdf

  • Reissuance of License After Reinstatement:
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/reinstatements.html#Reissue