John Nisbet

Here’s how to get it reinstated

1. The Tennessee Department of Safety sent you a letter setting out what you need to do to get your DL reinstated.
2. If you have lost that letter, there are several ways to determine what you need to do to get your DL reinstated (from the Dept. of Safety):

• Call 866-903-7357. This number is for a state reinstatement center. It’s their job to help you determine if you’re eligible to have your driver’s license reinstated, and if you are, help you get it back. Someone should answer calls to that number Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST. The number will be busy, so keep calling if you can’t get through to someone immediately. [THIS MAY NOT WORK–THEY ARE NO LONGER ANSWERING THE PHONE]
• Visit this website: dl.safety.tn.gov. You’ll need to fill out a short form, so have your Social Security number and driver’s license number handy. The website will help you determine if you’re eligible for reinstatement. [THIS ACTUALLY WORKS]
• Go to an in-person reinstatement center. A full list is available online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website.

3. If you are NOT indigent, contact each clerk’s office listed on the Department’s list and start paying on the case(s).

4. If you ARE indigent (i.e. receiving social security, food stamps, unemployed, were given the public defender or other appointed attorney), you can fill out an affidavit of indigency and a motion to ask the court to waive your court costs, fines and fees. Contact me and I’ll email you the forms.

5. If your license is suspended due to an automobile accident and you have been sued and have a judgment against you, CONTACT ME. There might be some options available.

6. Check back frequently on the Department’s website, and when they say you are eligible, PAY the reinstatement fee. OR sign up with the Department’s Financial Responsibility Division and sign up to make payments. Here’s what the Department says you need to do to set up payments:

a. To qualify for the installment plan, a driver must owe more than $200 in reinstatement fees and satisfy all other requirements needed for reinstatement. The driver is required to make a down payment of $200 plus pay a $25 administrative fee at the time he enters the payment plan. He must then make a payment each quarter (every 3 months) of $300 until the remaining balance is paid with a maximum of two years to pay. Failure to make any payment as required will result in the driver again being revoked or suspended and the remaining balance must be paid in full in order to reinstate.

There are specific forms the driver must complete when entering the payment plan. Effective January 1, 2012, the installment plan can be processed through our Driver License Reinstatement Centers.