Renewing a driver’s license is usually a routine errand. In Tennessee, it has become a problem for a growing number of immigrants who live and work in the country legally. Since October 1, hundreds of DACA recipients say they have been turned away at Driver Services Centers when trying to renew a license they already had.

Immigrant advocates report similar complaints from refugees, asylum seekers, people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and U-visa holders. Here is what is happening, why the state is denying some renewals and what affected drivers can do.

What changed in Tennessee?

Under a law passed in a 2025 special session, Tennessee began issuing temporary driver’s licenses and ID cards to noncitizens on January 1, 2026. These cards state that the holder is not a U.S. citizen and cannot be used as voter ID. U.S. citizens continue to receive standard licenses and REAL ID cards.

State law also requires applicants for a temporary license to prove a specified period of authorized stay in the United States. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, that is the requirement many renewal applicants are now failing to meet.

Why is a work permit not enough?

This is the key point for many drivers. The department’s position, as reported by local media, is that an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) shows permission to work but does not by itself prove how long a person is authorized to stay.

The state also notes that DACA is a form of deferred action and does not grant lawful immigration status on its own. As a result, someone who held a valid Tennessee license for years can be denied at renewal if their federal documents no longer meet the state’s standard.

Who is affected?

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) says the denials are hitting several groups:

DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers.
TPS holders, including Ukrainians whose temporary licenses come up for renewal.
Refugees and asylees.
U-visa holders and other immigrants with federal permission to remain or work.

Advocates stress that there is no blanket ban, but they say the rules are unclear and that the department has not published a full list of which documents work for each immigration category. Many of these workers also pay payroll taxes and earn Social Security work credits, and losing the ability to drive can put their jobs at risk.

What documents should you bring?

If your Tennessee license is about to expire and you are not a U.S. citizen, immigration attorneys recommend bringing as much proof as possible:

A valid identity document, such as a passport.
Your current immigration documents and, if you have one, your EAD.
Any approval notice or notice of action from USCIS.
Proof of your classification and the dates of your authorized stay.
Any federal notice that extends your status or work authorization.
Two proofs of Tennessee residence.

What if your renewal is denied?

Ask the clerk to tell you exactly which document or requirement is missing, and keep any written denial or receipt. That paperwork can be useful if you need to appeal or seek legal advice.

TIRRC is collecting reports from people who have been denied through its resource line at 615-414-1030. Contacting an immigration attorney is also a good idea, especially if your federal status was recently extended.

Driving without a valid license can lead to fines, problems with your car insurance and, in some cases, arrest. Tennessee is not the only state tightening its rules: other states are also reviewing who holds licenses and permits, as Florida did when Miami-Dade canceled more than 6,000 disabled parking placards after an audit.

How to plan ahead

If your license expires in the coming months, do not wait until the last week. Gather your documents early and check the Tennessee Department of Safety’s website for updates. USCIS also recommends filing DACA renewals 120 to 150 days before they expire, so your federal paperwork is current when you go to renew your license.