Tennessee to Require Proof of Citizenship, English Proficiency to Obtain Driver's License

Tennessee lawmakers approved legislation requiring drivers to provide proof of citizenship or lawful residency to register a vehicle and obtain a driver's license. The story was mostly covered by local outlets, which highlighted arguments both in support of and against the new law.

The Details: The legislation (SB 1889) is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. It applies only to first-time registrants for vehicles that require a license plate, not for registration renewals. Another section of the bill requires a diver's license applicant to be able to read and speak English in order to take the written examination. According to the bill, if the applicant is unable to speak or read the English Language, they will be administered a written exam in another language and be issued a restricted license for up to one year. They will then have to return to retake the test in English.

For Context: According to WKRN (Center bias), the proof of citizenship requirement was included in a package of bills addressing illegal immigration and was drafted with help from the Trump administration. The MOST Policy Initiative in Missouri reported that 31 states require proof of lawful residence to obtain a driver's license. Nineteen states don't require proof of lawful status, and those licenses are marked "Not for Federal Purposes." This is different from acquiring a REAL ID, which requires proof of lawful presence in the US in all 50 states.

'Discriminatory': The story was primarily covered by local Tennessee outlets. Local 3 News (Center) and Black Enterprise (Lean Left) emphasized arguments that the legislation is discriminatory against immigrants and that it might have unintended economic consequences. Both outlets quoted a Chattanooga immigration lawyer who said, "we're changing 30 years of growth," and disagreed that drivers must be able to read and speak English to safely drive. Black Enterprise also mentioned criticism that the law could create "unnecessary barriers for legal immigrants and international workers."

'Protecting Tennesseans': Local 3 News and Black Enterprise also quoted Rep. Michele Reneau (R-TN) who said the legislation was an "important step in tightening the noose around" illegal immigration, that it was "important for the safety of Tennesseans" and that it will "hopefully…discourage [illegal immigrants] from diving." WKRN focused on a second piece of approved legislation that requires proof of insurance when registering a vehicle. It emphasized arguments that this legislation – along with SB 1889 – are intended to protect Tennesseans, including those who immigrated legally, from uninsured drivers, which were involved in 35,000 of 175,000 crashes in the state last year, and make people "accountable" for their actions. 

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