Criminal Court News

Knoxville, TN - The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office was honored with an Innovator Award from the International Association of Government Officials (iGO) for its Driver's License Specialist Program. The award recognizes innovative programs that reflect best practices in their respective fields and are unique to their area.

“Helping people who want to turn their lives around has been a priority for my office,” said Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond. “This driver’s license reinstatement program gives people a sense of accomplishment. To them, the driver’s license represents more than just a piece of plastic. It’s a form of identification, the ability to drive legally and hope for their future.”

The Driver's License Specialist Program was established in 2018 to assist individuals seeking to reinstate their driver's licenses by filling a resource gap between agencies and streamlining the reinstatement process. Before the program started, the Criminal Court Clerk's Office noticed individuals frustrated and discouraged with a process they felt wasn’t working for them. Now, individuals understand the requirements needed to regain their licenses, which agencies to contact in order to satisfy their requirements and have access to a team of specialists.

Since the program was created, over 2,000 people have successfully reinstated their licenses, some of whom have not had their license for many years.

"The Driver's License Specialist Program has given these individuals a direction without having to navigate in so many areas that once was a deterrent for them," said Barbara Davis, Driver's License Program Specialist. "Many of these individuals have been told for years they would never get a license, and here we are with over 2,000 individuals that have obtained their license. I have been so blessed with these individuals coming back to see me or calling me with such excitement to share that they received their license after 15 to 30 years plus not having a license."

The International Association of Government Officials (iGO) is an organization for local officials that fosters excellence in public service through education, innovation, and networking. The Innovator Award has been presented at their annual conference since 2017.

If you or someone you know is interested in reinstating their driver's license, please contact the Criminal Court Clerk's Office at (865) 215-2375 or email crim.dlservices@knoxcounty.org.