To register a car or get a driver's license in Tennessee, you now need to prove English proficiency and a green card or US citizenship.

The new law tightens requirements for those seeking a driver's license in Tennessee. Passing an English language test and being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident are now required, explains Local 3 NewsThe law will come into force on January 1, 2027.

State lawmakers say the problem lies with people driving without proper documents. Under current Tennessee law, a person can register a vehicle without a valid driver's license. According to the state, acceptable forms of identification include a check stub and work ID. Utility bills and bank statements can be used to prove residency.

The new bill, HB 1708, now requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence before issuing vehicle registrations or license plates.

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Tennessee State Representative Michelle Reno explained that this is necessary for the safety of Tennesseans on the roads.

"This is just an important step in solving the problem of illegal immigration," Reno clarified. "I hope this obstacle to obtaining a license will prevent them from getting behind the wheel."

In addition, one section of the bill requires a person to be able to read and speak English in order to pass a written exam.

SB 1889 The law states that if a driver's license applicant cannot speak or read English, they will be given a written test in another language. The applicant will receive a limited license and must retake the test in English.

"Anyone could get a driver's license, but it would be a limited license for the first year, and then they would have up to one year to come back and take a test in written English... and that's really important because our road signs are in English," a Renault spokeswoman noted.

The state currently offers testing for five languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and German.

Chattanooga immigration attorney Terry Olsen believes the new law will send the state back to the past. He disagrees with the assertion that drivers must be able to read and speak English to drive safely, as road signs are based on colors and internationally accepted symbols.

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According to Olsen, this law would potentially harm Tennessee's economy and its relationships with international companies. The attorney cited several international companies, such as Volkswagen, that may have employees and executives from other countries.

"When companies look for a location, they consider many factors. Sales teams look at schools, education, quality of life, and mobility. Driving is part of this mobility and quality of life," Olsen emphasized.

The bill was signed by Governor Bill Lee on May 7, 2026, and will take effect on January 1, 2027.

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