For about a month, many immigrants in Tennessee who are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. were being turned away when they tried to get or renew a driver’s license. Now, a court order has temporarily changed that.
What Happened
Starting around October 1, 2026, Tennessee driver services centers began refusing licenses to people who showed a federal work permit, known as an Employment Authorization Document, as proof of their status. That included many DACA recipients, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.
Many of them had held Tennessee licenses for years. More than 7,000 DACA recipients live in Tennessee, according to past reporting by NewsChannel 5.
The State’s Position
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security pointed to a 2025 state law. It says applicants for temporary licenses must prove a specific period of authorized stay in the U.S., and that a work permit alone “does not provide sufficient information to verify an applicant’s lawful status.” The department also noted that DACA is a form of deferred action and doesn’t itself give someone lawful immigration status.
Even Governor Bill Lee publicly raised questions about how the rules were being applied, according to Tennessee Lookout.
The Lawsuit
On October 30, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) sued the department in Davidson County Chancery Court. The lawsuit argued that the department went beyond its authority and asked the court to immediately stop the denials.
What the Court Order Means
According to WKRN, a court order has temporarily restored access. While the case continues, applicants won’t be required to provide a visa or I-94 form to get a license.
That’s a temporary fix, not a final ruling. The lawsuit is still moving forward, and the rules could change again depending on how the court ultimately decides.
What Affected Drivers Should Do
- If your license is expiring, consider renewing while the order is in place.
- Bring all your documents, including your work permit and any other immigration paperwork you have.
- Watch for updates, since the outcome of the lawsuit could change the requirements again.
- If you’re turned away, consider contacting an immigration attorney or a legal aid organization.
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