Tennessee Senate bill in Session 114.
Status: enacted. Latest action: May 27, 2026.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 50, relative to application procedures for driver licenses.
Present law provides the application requirements for a driver license, instruction permit, intermediate driver license, and photo identification card. This bill requires the staff at a driver license station to inquire whether an applicant for a driver license would like to be issued a REAL ID compliant driver license or a non-REAL ID compliant license. The applicant must be provided a printed document to sign making such selection. The printed document must include all of the following information: A list of the documents that the applicant must provide to obtain a REAL ID compliant driver license and a non-REAL ID compliant license. A description of the purposes for which a REAL ID compliant and non-REAL ID compliant license may be utilized. A list of the alternative forms of identification that may be used in lieu of a REAL ID compliant driver license to fly domestically within the United States or to enter a military base, nuclear facility, or certain federal buildings. Information regarding the electronic technology incorporated into a REAL ID compliant and non-REAL ID compliant driver license. This bill requires the department of safety's website to contain a statement that indicates obtaining a REAL ID compliant driver license is optional. If an applicant elects not to apply for a REAL ID compliant driver license, then the staff of a driver license station must complete the processing of the application for a non-REAL ID compliant driver license. ON MARCH 2, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1783, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 makes the following changes: Eliminates the requirement that the printed document provided to an applicant for a driver license contain information about the alternative forms of identification that will be accepted to fly domestically in the United States or to seek entry to a military base, nuclear facility, or certain federal buildings. Clarifies that the bill does not apply to an applicant seeking a renewal of a REAL ID compliant driver license.
| Date | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-20 | Introduced | Bill introduced |
| 2026-05-27 | Status | enacted |
| 2026-05-27 | Latest Action | Comp. became Pub. Ch. 1094 |