TennesseeTennessee stations will explain REAL ID choices to applicants
Starting July 1, 2026, people applying in person will learn about both license types, except when renewing a REAL ID license.
What it does
At a driver license station, applicants must be asked whether they want a REAL ID or non-REAL ID license and given a handout explaining both. They must sign a form confirming they received it; the rule does not cover REAL ID renewals.
The department’s website must prominently say that getting a REAL ID license is optional.
Argument forApplicants may make a more informed choice because the handout explains the documents, uses, and technology for both license types.
Argument againstApplicants may face extra paperwork because they must review and sign a form, even when choosing a non-REAL ID license.
More detail
At an in-person application or renewal, driver license station staff ask which type of license the applicant wants and provide a form and information handout. The rule covers people who appear at a driver license station to apply for or renew a driver license, learner’s permit, or photo ID license. The applicant must sign a printed form and check a box showing the license type they are applying for and that they received the handout. The handout must explain required documents, uses, and electronic technology for both license types. This does not apply when someone renews a REAL ID-compliant license. These requirements take effect July 1, 2026.
The department’s website must prominently state that getting a REAL ID-compliant license is optional. The statement concerns REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. This requirement takes effect July 1, 2026.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 27Pub. Ch. 1094Latest
- May 27Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
- May 22Signed by Governor Bill Lee.Became Law
- May 11Transmitted to Governor for action.To Governor
- May 7Signed by H. SpeakerMajor
- Apr 30Signed by Senate SpeakerMajor
- Apr 29Enrolled and ready for signaturesMinor
- Apr 21Subst. for comp. HB.Major
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 21Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0706)Minor
- Apr 21Passed H., Ayes 73, Nays 18, PNV 4Passed House
- Mar 5Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
- Mar 3Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Mar 2Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0523)
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/2/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 2Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 30, Nays 2Passed Senate
- Mar 2Engrossed; ready for transmission to HouseMinor
- Feb 27Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/2/2026
- Feb 25Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 1 PNV 0
- Vote recorded TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 1 PNV 0 2/25/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 18Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 2/25/2026
- Jan 22Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety CommitteeMinor
- Jan 21Introduced, Passed on First ConsiderationMinor
- Jan 20Filed for introductionIntroduced
Transportation