EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2004
Tennessee now requires applicants for a driver license to show proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency .
Beginning July 1, 2004 individuals not eligible for a Tennessee driver license may apply for a Certificate for Driving. Individuals eligible for a Certificate for Driving include:
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Persons who have temporary, legal documents from the U.S. government (work visas, educational visas, etc.)
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Persons who do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Tennessee driver license, but can provide proof of identity and residence in Tennessee.
For those individuals legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis, the Certificate for Driving will remain valid for the period of authorized stay in the U.S., provided that a Certificate will not be issued for less than one year nor more than five years. A Certificate for Driving will be issued for a period of one year to individuals who cannot prove they are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Individuals may renew a Certificate for Driving upon expiration as long as they are able to continue to provide the required documentation.
A list of acceptable documents showing positive proof of identity and proof of Tennessee residency is found in the Tennessee Driver Handbook . (NOTE: Due to the large file size of the handbook, download time may be slow. As an alternative, please visit our HTML chart of acceptable documents that may be used as proof of identity and proof of Tennessee residency ).
For more information please contact the department toll free at 1-866-849-3548 or send an e-mail to cfd.help@state.tn.us .
Please remember that original or certified documents are required. No photocopies, faxes or carbon copies are accepted.
