Tennessee law requires proof of citizenship for first-time vehicle registration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new Tennessee law will require first-time vehicle registration applicants to show proof of citizenship or legal immigration status beginning in 2027, a requirement that does not apply to drivers renewing existing registrations.

Tennessee has enacted a new law, Public Chapter 954, that requires people applying for an initial motor vehicle registration to prove they are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a person whose federal immigration status authorizes their presence in the country for a specific purpose and time period.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. It applies only to first-time registrations for vehicles that require a license plate.

It does not apply to registration renewals, meaning people who already have a registered vehicle and are simply renewing that registration are not affected.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will publish a full list of acceptable documents on its website. However, the law already identifies five specific license types that automatically qualify as proof:

• A REAL ID-compliant license
• A standard Tennessee driver’s license
• A Tennessee temporary driver’s license
• A Tennessee temporary photo identification license
• A Tennessee photo identification card

Documents can be presented in paper or electronic format, including images displayed on a cellphone or portable device.

Click here for more information about the Tennessee vehicle registration law.