Three ways to order your record
| Route | Cost | Certified? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (e-Services) | $5 | No | Tennessee residents; card only, no prepaid cards |
| By mail | $5 | Yes | Cashier's check or money order; allow about two weeks |
| In person | $5 | Any Driver Services Center |
Online
Go to the state's e-Services portal and choose the option to order a motor vehicle report under Driver Services. You'll need your name, date of birth, Tennessee license number and Social Security number, plus the last five digits of the DD number printed on your license. The DD (document discriminator) number identifies the specific card you hold, so use your current one; a replaced card has a different number. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prepaid cards are refused.
By mail
Mail is the only way to get a certified TN driving record. Send the request with a $5 cashier's check or money order made out to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, include the address you want it mailed to, and allow about two weeks from the day you mail it. Ask for certified when a court, an employer or a defensive driving school says it must be certified; for your own review the online copy is enough.
In person
Any Driver Services Center can print your record for the same $5. Bring your license.
What a TN driving record shows
The standard record covers the past 3 or 10 years of your driving history: convictions, suspensions and other actions on your license. Choose the length based on who asked. Many employers only want three years; a commercial driving job or a court case may want ten. A comprehensive record, beyond the standard history, is available only in certain circumstances, by mail, and you must state why you need it.
Businesses that check drivers regularly don't use the consumer route; the state sells single and bulk records to them through a separate business system. If an employer asks you to bring your own copy, the online version usually works, but confirm whether they need it certified.
Points and suspensions in Tennessee
Tennessee suspends a license for 6 months once a driver reaches 12 points, unless the driver takes a defensive driving course, which is allowed once every five years. Reinstatement after a points suspension costs $115. Ordering your Tennessee driving record is the reliable way to know your current total before you decide whether the course is worth taking. Our points checker does the comparison for you.
Someone else's record
A state of Tennessee driving record for another person needs that driver's signed authorization on the state's request form, or a requester who qualifies under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act. The state publishes separate forms for each case. Employers screening drivers will find the consent and Fair Credit Reporting Act steps on our MVR guide.
Tennessee driving record FAQ
How much is a Tennessee driving record?
$5, whether you order online, by mail or at a Driver Services Center. Online orders take Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, but not prepaid cards.
How do I get a certified Tennessee driving record?
By mail. Send the request with $5 by cashier's check or money order payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and allow about two weeks.
How many years does a TN driving record show?
The standard record shows the past 3 or 10 years. A comprehensive record is available only in certain circumstances, by mail, with the reason for the request.
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety: Obtaining a driving record (MVR)
- Tennessee Department of Safety: Comprehensive motor vehicle record
- Tennessee Department of Safety: Reinstatements
- Tennessee General Assembly: Fiscal memorandum, SB 778 / HB 816 (points rule)
MyCarPapers is not affiliated with the State of Tennessee.