Undocumented Driver's License in Tennessee (2026)

Q: Can I get a Tennessee driver's license with an ITIN?

No. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS and does not establish lawful U.S. presence. Tennessee Safety Department does not accept an ITIN as a substitute for proof of immigration status.

Q: Can DACA recipients get a driver's license in Tennessee?

Yes. DACA recipients hold deferred action status and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Tennessee Safety Department accepts a valid EAD as proof of lawful presence, so active DACA holders can apply for a Tennessee driver's license.

Last updated: May 4, 2026
By Miguel Garcia

Can You Get a Driver's License in Tennessee Without an SSN?

No — not without a lawful immigration status. Tennessee law requires all driver's license applicants to prove they are a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security verifies your status directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before a license can be issued.

Tennessee has no equivalent of California's AB 60 law. There is no "undocumented license" category in Tennessee, and having an ITIN does not help — an ITIN is a tax processing number and does not establish immigration status.

Tennessee law

Tennessee law requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence to obtain a driver's license. The Tennessee Safety Department verifies your status with DHS, and a license cannot be issued until DHS confirms your period of lawful presence. If you do not have an approved immigration status, a standard driver's license or state ID will not be issued.

Who CAN Get a Tennessee Driver's License

You are eligible if you have any of the following:

U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status (green card)
An active visa with authorized stay (F-1, H-1B, TN, etc.)
Refugee or asylee status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — this includes DACA recipients
Parole in place or other DHS-granted deferred action

DACA holders

If you have active DACA status, you have a valid EAD card and are eligible for a Tennessee driver's license. Bring your current EAD card to the Tennessee Safety Department office as proof of lawful presence. Learn more about DACA →

Your Options If You Don't Have Legal Status

If you are undocumented and not eligible for a Tennessee license right now, here are the realistic paths forward:

1Apply for DACA if you qualify. DACA grants deferred action and an EAD, which Tennessee Safety Department accepts as lawful presence. If you came to the U.S. before age 16, have lived here continuously since June 2007, and meet the other criteria, you may be eligible. See the DACA eligibility guide →
2Get a license in Virginia. Virginia issues driver's licenses to residents regardless of immigration status. If you establish residency there, you may apply. A valid Virginia license is recognized for driving in Tennessee. Virginia requirements →
3Check Illinois. Illinois also allows undocumented residents to get a driver's license. Illinois requirements →
4Use a valid foreign driver's license. Tennessee law allows visitors to drive on a valid foreign driver's license for a limited period from their date of entry to the U.S. This is a temporary option, not a long-term solution.

Important

Driving without a valid license in Tennessee can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and increased immigration risk. We strongly recommend pursuing a legal path rather than driving without a license.

Why an ITIN Is Not Enough

Many people ask whether an ITIN can be used to get a Tennessee driver's license. The answer is no. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS specifically for tax filing purposes. It does not grant any immigration status, does not authorize work in the U.S., and is not accepted by Tennessee Safety Department as proof of lawful presence.

That said, having an ITIN is still useful — it allows you to file taxes, open bank accounts, and build a credit history in the U.S. Those are all things you can do today, regardless of driver's license eligibility.

What your ITIN can do

Even without a driver's license, your ITIN opens doors. Open a bank account → | Build credit → | Invest →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Tennessee? +

No. Tennessee requires proof of lawful U.S. presence to obtain a driver's license or state ID. The Tennessee Safety Department verifies your immigration status directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Without an approved immigration status, a license cannot be issued.

Can I get a Tennessee driver's license with an ITIN? +

No. An ITIN is a tax processing number and does not establish lawful U.S. presence. Tennessee Safety Department does not accept an ITIN as a substitute for proof of immigration status.

Can DACA recipients get a driver's license in Tennessee? +

Yes. DACA recipients have deferred action status and are eligible to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Tennessee Safety Department accepts a valid EAD card as proof of lawful presence, so active DACA holders can apply for a Tennessee driver's license.

What is the nearest state where undocumented immigrants can get a driver's license? +

Virginia is the nearest state to Tennessee that issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Illinois is another option to the northwest. See the full list at the driver's license guide.

States That Do Allow This

20 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license. Tennessee is not among them. Browse states that do:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →