Tennessee Driver's License Fees

Types of Driver Licenses

In Tennessee, there are several types of driver licenses issued, each tailored to the specific needs of drivers.

Learner's Permit

For those under 18, the Learner's Permit allows young drivers to practice driving under specific conditions. To obtain this permit, applicants must be at least 15 years old and pass a vision screening and written knowledge test. The fee for a Learner's Permit is generally around $3.50.

Regular Operator License (Class D)

The Regular Operator License, also known as Class D, permits individuals to operate standard vehicles. It is essential for residents who wish to drive personal cars and is typically the most commonly held type of license. The fee for obtaining a Class D license is approximately $32.00, and the license is valid for a duration of four years.

Commercial Driver License

Individuals seeking to operate commercial vehicles must obtain a Commercial Driver License. This license type has additional requirements and fees, with the original or renewal fee being around $75.00. It is specifically designed for drivers who plan to operate vehicles such as trucks and buses, which may require a more comprehensive understanding of vehicle operation and safety.

Motorcycle License (Class M)

For those wishing to ride motorcycles, a Motorcycle Operator License is necessary. To qualify, applicants must be at least 16 years old and either pass a road skills test or complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The license allows the holder to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles over 50cc. Fees for obtaining a motorcycle license typically range from $9 to $20, depending on specific requirements. A Class M motorcycle license costs $26.00.

Identification Cards

In addition to driver licenses, Tennessee also issues identification cards for individuals who do not wish to drive. These cards serve as valid identification and are available to all residents regardless of age. Fees for ID cards vary, but they typically start at $12.00 for renewal.

Fee Structure

Driver License Fees

The fees for obtaining a regular operator's license in Tennessee are set at $19.50. For temporary driver licenses, the fee is equivalent to that of an eight-year Class D license. Additional fees apply for different classes of licenses and specific circumstances, such as late fees and administrative charges related to court services, which can range from $5 to $10.

Vehicle Registration Fees

County clerks receive an $8.50 fee for processing each application for a certificate of title, which includes forwarding the application to the Department of Revenue. Of this fee, $3.00 is earmarked for services directly related to titling and registration, ensuring it does not revert to the county's general fund if unspent by the end of the budget year. Beginning January 1, 2024, an additional registration fee will be introduced for all-electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The distribution of these additional fees allocates 63.4 percent to the state highway fund and 11.8 percent to municipalities. Overall, 98 percent of state registration fees are directed to the state highway fund, with the remaining 2 percent going to the state general fund.

Additional Charges and Fines

While fines are penalties for violations, the fees associated with licenses and registrations primarily serve as revenue-generating measures. Many individuals facing these fees often have lower incomes, making the burden of such costs more pronounced among vulnerable populations. Research indicates that typical incomes for those with court debt range from $5,300 to $9,377 annually.

Payment Methods

Individuals seeking to pay their driver license fees in Tennessee have several options available to them. Payments are accepted as money orders or cashier's checks made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It is important to note that personal checks and cash are not accepted for these payments.

Payment Plans

For those facing financial difficulties, the state has implemented a plan allowing individuals with fees of $75 or more to pay in installments. This payment plan requires a $25 initial payment followed by quarterly payments of $75 over a period of up to 60 months.

Documentation Requirements

When making a payment, it is essential for the individual to provide comprehensive documentation that verifies their identity and residence. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, bank statement (stamped and dated by the bank), rental or mortgage contracts, and proof of employment that includes an original signature or notarized documentation.

Exemptions and Discounts

In Tennessee, certain exemptions and discounts are available for individuals seeking a driver license or identification. One significant exemption applies to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and whose income falls below the federal poverty level, allowing them to be exempt from the fees typically charged for obtaining a driver license or identification card.

Ineligibility Restrictions

Additionally, specific restrictions apply to individuals who may not qualify for a driver license. These include non-U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, individuals with suspended or revoked licenses in Tennessee or any other state, and those the Commissioner deems unable to operate a motor vehicle safely due to mental or physical disabilities. Furthermore, habitual drunkards or individuals with a proven addiction to substance use are also ineligible for a driver license. These exemptions and restrictions aim to ensure that the licensing process is fair and accessible while maintaining public safety on the roads.

Changes in Fee Structure

Overview of Recent Fee Increases

In recent years, Tennessee has witnessed significant changes in the fee structures associated with various services, particularly those relating to motor vehicle operations. Starting January 1, 2024, an additional registration fee will be implemented for all-electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Impact on Revenue Collection

The revenue generated from motor vehicle fines and fees has been scrutinized in light of the 2011 law allowing for the suspension of driver's licenses due to unpaid court fees. A report indicates that this law has not resulted in a meaningful increase in fee collections, as evidenced by a lack of correlation between license revocations and revenue recovery. Moreover, counties reportedly only collect about 3 cents from court fines and fees for every dollar earned through tax revenue, underscoring the limited financial impact of these fees on local budgets.

Recommendations for Reform

To address the economic burden these fees place on low-income individuals, several reforms have been suggested. Options for policymakers include establishing more streamlined payment plans and reconsidering the use of driver's license suspensions as a method for collecting unpaid court costs. These measures aim to alleviate financial stress on those least able to pay, potentially improving their economic mobility and reducing recidivism rates.

Related Regulations

Compliance with Federal Regulations

When agencies or organizations accept federal traffic safety funds in Tennessee, they must comply with the requirements set forth in the federal administrative regulation known as 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards. This guidance mandates that agencies adhere to various standards, including financial accountability and nondiscrimination provisions, as part of the grant period. Noncompliance can result in contract sanctions, including the withholding of payments or the termination of agreements.

Nondiscrimination Provisions

The State highway safety agency in Tennessee is obligated to comply with several federal nondiscrimination laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, and disability. Agencies are required to integrate nondiscrimination clauses into contracts with subrecipients and other entities, ensuring that all parties comply with these federal standards.

Driver License Reinstatement Rules

Tennessee has adopted specific rules to administer a uniform system for driver license reinstatement fees, particularly for individuals whose driving privileges have been revoked or suspended due to unpaid fines and fees. These regulations are part of a broader effort to manage the financial obligations of drivers while maintaining accountability for traffic violations. However, there is ongoing debate about the impact of such laws, as studies indicate that millions have lost their licenses due to financial hardships, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals.

Recent Legislative Developments

Lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid court debts are currently pending in several states, including Tennessee. In contrast, recent legislation in California has moved to prevent the suspension of licenses for nonpayment of traffic fines, highlighting a growing recognition of the adverse effects such laws can have on vulnerable populations. Advocates argue for reforms that balance accountability with compassion, ensuring that those facing financial difficulties are not unduly penalized.

Collection Process

The collection of fees associated with Tennessee driver licenses involves several key components and procedures. County clerks are responsible for receiving applications for certificates of title and forwarding them to the Department of Revenue. For each application processed, clerks receive a fee of $8.50, of which $3.00 is earmarked specifically for services related to titling and registration, ensuring these funds do not revert to the county general fund if unspent at the end of the budget year.

While fines serve as punitive measures, fees are primarily aimed at generating revenue and are often disproportionately borne by low-income individuals. The efficacy of various collection strategies has been scrutinized. Notably, the 2011 law permitting driver's license revocations as a collection mechanism has shown limited success, as evidenced by a lack of significant increases in collection rates following its implementation and subsequent legal challenges. In addition, state registration fees and taxes collected from drivers are predominantly allocated to the state highway fund (98 percent), with a small portion (2 percent) directed to the state general fund, underscoring the financial mechanisms supporting highway safety and related initiatives.

Contact Information and Resources

Department Contact Information

For inquiries regarding driver license reinstatement and other related matters, individuals can reach out to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

By Mail:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 94397
Nashville, TN 37202

By Courier Delivery (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.):
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Financial Responsibility
1150 Foster Ave.
Nashville, TN 37210
Note: Reinstatements are not processed in person at this location.

Phone:
Toll-Free: 1-866-903-7357
East Knoxville: 865-594-6399
TTY or TDD users should call (615) 532-2281 for relay service support. Reinstatement clerks are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central to assist with questions.

Online Resources

Online Driver Services allows users to access various services online, including license renewals and reinstatements. An interactive Moving Violation Records service allows individuals to check their driving records and any violations associated with them. For questions about specific fees or the application process, residents are encouraged to consult their local county clerks or the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for more detailed information.