Tennessee ties vehicle registration to legal status and shortens non-English driver’s license validity

Tennessee has enacted HB 1708/SB 1889, a law signed by Governor Bill Lee on May 7, 2026, that ties vehicle registration to proof of lawful presence in the U.S. Drivers registering or renewing a vehicle must now provide documentation proving they are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or authorized by federal authorities for temporary presence. Existing Tennessee driver’s licenses, photo IDs, temporary licenses, and REAL ID-compliant credentials can satisfy this requirement. The law takes effect January 1, 2027. The legislation also alters driver’s license rules: applicants who take the written test in a language other than English can still obtain a standard license, but it will be valid for 36 months instead of the usual term. When it expires, they must pass the written exam in English without interpreter, electronic device, or translation aid. The final version removed earlier proposals for a restricted one-year license and driving restrictions. Tennessee currently offers written exams in English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and German. Supporters claim the law closes a loophole allowing registrations with basic identification, aiming to improve road safety and discourage illegal immigration.