Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-331 (2026)

Examination for, and issuance, renewal and contents of, licenses - Conditional licenses

✓ current as of May 2026

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(a) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, the department has oversight of the issuance, examination and renewal of all driver licenses provided for in this chapter. The department is authorized to contract for the provision of any service related to the issuance, examination and renewal of driver licenses subject to applicable contracting statutes and regulations. The commissioner has the discretion to solicit outside consulting services in order to accomplish on a competitive basis the design and application of the system and implementation of this system. Any entity so contracting with the department is authorized to charge an additional fee of four dollars ($4.00), which shall be retained by the entity for administrative costs.

(b)
- (1) The department shall, upon payment of the required fee, issue to every applicant qualifying therefor a driver license indicating the type or general class of vehicles the licensee may drive, which license shall bear thereon a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee, the full legal name, date of birth, current residence address including the street address and number or route and box number (or post office box number if the applicant has no bona fide residential street address), a brief description, a visible full face photograph of the licensee, and either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write the licensee's usual signature with pen and ink. No license shall be valid until it has been so signed by the licensee.
- (2) The department shall not issue a driver license that displays an applicant's social security number unless the applicant specifically requests in writing that the number be displayed on the license.
- (3) The date of birth information on a driver license issued by the department must be plainly visible and the font size must be the same size as that of the driver license number.
- (4)
  - (A) Any person who can provide proof that the person was a victim of identity theft, under § 39-14-150, may apply for the issuance of a new driver license with a new distinguishing number. The department shall issue the new driver license to the applicant and may charge a duplicate license fee, pursuant to § 55-50-323(a)(2)(I), to cover the cost of issuance.
  - (B) The proof required by subdivision (b)(4)(A) may be satisfied by presentation of a law enforcement report that lists the applicant as a victim of identity theft, under § 39-14-150.

(c) The license shall also display the issuance and expiration dates during which time the license is valid, and shall note whether the license is a duplicate of an original license.

(d) The department, upon issuing a license, shall have authority to impose restrictions suitable to the licensee's driving ability with respect to the type of, or special, mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle that the licensee may operate or other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the department may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee.

(e) The department may either issue a special conditional license or may set forth the conditions upon the usual license form.

(f) It is a Class A misdemeanor for any person to operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of the conditions imposed by a conditional license issued to the person.

(g) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department may issue a temporary driver license, temporary intermediate driver license, temporary photo identification license or a temporary learner permit to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and for a specified period of authorized stay. The temporary driver license or photo identification license shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States; provided, however, that no temporary license or photo identification license shall be issued for a period of longer than eight (8) years.

(h) Any applicant applying for a temporary driver license, temporary intermediate driver license, temporary photo identification license or temporary learner permit, upon initial issuance, renewal or reinstatement, shall meet the requirements of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated by the department.

(i) Any nonphoto bearing driver license issued under §§ 55-50-323 and 55-50-335, and any nonexpiring photo identification license issued under §§ 55-50-323 and 55-50-336, shall be issued in compliance with the federal regulations of 6 CFR Part 37 for non-REAL ID compliant licenses.

Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s2, s3, s4 eff. 4/22/2021.

Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 800, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 5 cases, 1999–2011 · leading case: League of United Latin Am. Citizens v. Bredesen, 500 F.3d 523 (6th Cir. 2007).

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League of United Latin Am. Citizens v. Bredesen, 500 F.3d 523 (6th Cir. 2007). · cites it 2× “That lawful temporary resident aliens may obtain a "certificate for driving" instead, pursuant to Tenn.Code Ann. § 55-50-331(g), is said not to be an adequate substitute, because *527 the certificate for driving, unlike a driver license, is explicitly "not valid for…”

Marie Hawks v. Michael Greene, Comm. Dept of Saf. (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999). · cites it 2× “We also consider relevant whether violation of other driving or driver license related offenses can result in forfeiture of the offender’s vehicle.”

State of Tennessee v. Lawrence E. Ralph (Tenn. Crim. App. 2011). “§ 55-50-331. The trial court imposed concurrent sentences of 30 days and 11 months and 29 days, respectively, suspended to intensive probation following the service of 120 days in jail.”

State of Tennessee v. Johnny Lewis (Tenn. Crim. App. 2001). “, § 55-50-331(d) (Supp. 2000). The department is required to “forthwith revoke” the license of any driver upon receiving a record of a final conviction of enumerated offenses, including “[a]ny felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used.”

LULAC v. Bredesen (6th Cir. 2007). “That lawful temporary resident aliens may obtain a “certificate for driving” instead, pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-331 (g), is said not to be an adequate substitute, because the certificate for driving, unlike a driver license, is explicitly “not valid for identification.”

— Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-331(d) — 1 case

— Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-331(g) — 1 case

League of United Latin Am. Citizens v. Bredesen, 500 F.3d 523 (6th Cir. 2007). “That lawful temporary resident aliens may obtain a "certificate for driving" instead, pursuant to Tenn.Code Ann. § 55-50-331(g), is said not to be an adequate substitute, because *527 the certificate for driving, unlike a driver license, is explicitly "not valid for…”

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