Restricted License Information

Under Tennessee law, some people may qualify for a restricted driver license depending on their situation. You can only apply for a restricted license while still under revocation or suspension and is subject to department approval. Restricted licenses cannot be issued for Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses.

For frequent traffic violations (Points Accumulation) suspension you MUST apply for the restricted license with the Driver Improvement Program. 

Eligible Reasons to Apply  for a Restricted License

  • DUI, Implied Consent, Underage Driving While Impaired (age 18-20) or Drag Racing 
  • Pending DUI Case - Restricted Authority18-20 Year Old Alcohol Beverage Violation
  • Driving Away from Pumps Without Paying for Fuel
  • Failure to Pay a Citation
  • Failure to Establish Financial Responsibility for an Accident Claim or Unsatisfied Judgment

How to Apply for a Restricted Driver License

If you have never held a Tennessee driver license before, you must meet all New Resident requirements in addition to the restricted license requirements. 

Step 1: Obtain a certified order for restricted drivers license (ORDL) from the court where you were convicted, or from the court in your county of residence. The order must be signed by a judge.

NOTE: If you are revoked for a DUI and have installed an interlock device under bond please provide your ORDL to your manufacturer to ensure they have the conviction start date. If not done this could lead to complications at the end of the program.   

Step 2: Obtain SR-22 liability insurance showing the policy is currently in effect. A standard insurance policy or other documentation is not acceptable in place of an SR-22.

Step 3: Within ten (10) days of the court order being signed, visit a Driver Services Center with your certified ORDL and any other required documentation. Apply for a ninety (90)-day temporary license and pay all applicable fees.

Step 4: The Restricted License Team will review your application and notify you if additional documentation or requirements are needed. Failure to complete these requests within the ninety (90)-days will require you to restart the application process.

Step 5: Once approved, you will receive your restricted license by mail. This license is valid ONLY during the revocation timeframe. It is advised to begin working on all reinstatement requirements as they MUST be completed to be able to reapply for a valid driver license.

Applying for a Duplicate Restricted Driver License

  • Physcially lost the hard copy
  • Changing Residental Address 
  • Changing the place or hours of any geographic restrictions that was originally approved

Have a geographic restriction on your license: 

Step 1:  Obtain a NEW certified order for restricted drivers license (ORDL) from the court where you were convicted, or from the court in your county of residence. The order must be signed by a judge.

Step 2: Within ten (10)-days of the court order being signed, visit a Driver Services Center with your certified ORDL and any other required documentation. Apply for a ninety (90)-day temporary license and pay all applicable fees.

Do NOT have a geographic restriction on your license: 

Visit a Driver Services Center with your certified ORDL and any other required documentation. Apply for a ninety (90)-day temporary license and pay all applicable fees.

NOTE: For frequent traffic violations (Points Accumulation) suspension you MUST reapply under the Driver Improvement Program

Common Reasons for Denial of the Restricted License

After applying for a restricted license at a Driver Service Center and being issued a 90-day interim license, your application and driving record are reviewed by the Financial Responsibility Division. A restricted driver license will be denied for the any of the following reasons:

  • There is a prior conviction of Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, or Aggravated Vehicular Assault on the driver's record.
  • Default on a payment plan after a restricted license issuance for an unpaid criminal cost will cause a six (6) month waiting period 
  • The offense was the proximate cause of death or serious bodily injury to another person.
  • The order is issued for a suspension/revocation for which we do not have the authority to issue a restricted license.
  • A geographic location requested is not a location designated by law for that type of offense.
  • The order does not have the violation, date of violation, conviction date, and/or disposition.
  • The order is not signed by the Judge; or if Driver Improvement Program approval has not been granted.
  • A check of the driver’s record shows that they have another revocation/suspension/cancellation. The driver must reinstate everything on their record except for the violation for which the restricted license is being requested. If person has a violation that cannot be reinstated, a restricted license cannot be issued.
  • If the person has a revocation/suspension in another state, a check is done to determine the problem in the other state. If person has a problem other than the violation for which the restricted license is being requested, the person is denied the restricted license until the problem in the other state is cleared.
  • The SR-22 insurance is not for the State of Tennessee or the company is not licensed in Tennessee.