Tennessee legislation · 114th General Assembly

Tennessee SB1783: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 50, relative to application procedures for driver licenses.

Status: Chaptered, May 27, 2026

Fiscal Summary STATE GOVERNMENTEXPENDITURESGeneral FundFY26-27 & Subsequent Years$13,700 Bill Summary 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 licen