New Tennessee noncitizen driver’s licenses begin Jan. 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Beginning in 2026, Tennessee will implement changes to its driver’s licenses and state ID cards for noncitizens

Republican supporters of the law changes say they’re intended to protect the integrity of state identification cards, licenses and elections. Critics argue the policy unfairly stigmatizes migrants, especially those who are in the country legally.

Under the new system, U.S. citizens living in Tennessee will continue to receive standard REAL ID driver’s licenses or state identification cards. Noncitizens who are legally present in the state will be issued temporary driver’s licenses or ID cards that specifically indicate they are not fully citizens.

State officials say the temporary licenses and IDs cannot be used for voting, noting that only U.S. citizens are legally allowed to cast ballots.

“Only permanent driver’s licenses and photo IDs are valid for voter identification, explicitly excluding temporary IDs,” said Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, while presenting the bill on the floor during the legislative session earlier this year. “This ensures the security and integrity of our elections.”

Opponents of the law say the changes waste state tax dollars addressing what they say is a federal issue and unfairly targets migrants who are following the legal path to citizenship.

“When governments start drawing lines between who gets to move freely and who doesn’t based on immigration status, we’re not safeguarding public safety,” said Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville. “We are resurrecting dangerous ideas from the past, dressed up in the language of the administrative state.”

Another law going into effect in 2026 prohibits Tennessee from accepting driver’s licenses or identification cards issued to undocumented immigrants by other states. Under the new law, if an undocumented immigrant is found driving in Tennessee with an out-of-state license, the offense will be classified as a misdemeanor.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states and Puerto Rico knowingly allow undocumented immigrants to obtain some form of driving privilege. In Connecticut, for example, the credential is known as a “drive-only” license.

As of now, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website lists only Connecticut and Delaware among the states whose licenses will not be accepted under the new law.