NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is updating older Commercial Driver License records to meet current federal and state requirements. About 8,800 of the state’s 150,000 CDL holders will receive a letter asking them to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, documents that were not required when some licenses were first issued. Only drivers who receive a notice need to take action, and the update must be completed in person at a Driver Services Center using one acceptable document, such as a passport or birth certificate. Officials say the review is meant to bring older records into compliance while minimizing disruption for Tennessee’s commercial drivers.

Full Details - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has begun updating older Commercial Driver License (CDL) records to ensure compliance with current federal and state requirements, a process that will affect a limited number of drivers statewide.

Officials said approximately 8,800 of Tennessee’s estimated 150,000 CDL holders will receive a letter by mail requesting proof of citizenship or lawful presence. These documents were not required when many long-standing commercial drivers originally obtained their licenses, but federal regulations now mandate that all CDL records include such verification.

According to the department, not every CDL holder will receive a notice. Only drivers whose files predate modern documentation standards have been identified for review. The update initiative follows a presidential executive order directing agencies to ensure records meet existing federal and state guidelines.

Drivers who receive a letter will be provided with instructions detailing which documents are acceptable and how to complete the update. Only one valid document is required, and the process must be completed in person at a state Driver Services Center, as required by law. Those who do not receive a letter do not need to take any action.

“This action is designed to ensure that all CDL records meet today’s state and federal requirements and are in line with the presidential directive,” said Russell Shoup, Assistant Commissioner of the Driver Services Division. “Drivers whose files predate modern documentation rules will receive instructions on how to complete their records. We appreciate the cooperation of Tennessee’s commercial driving community.”

Examples of acceptable documentation include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or other approved documents listed in the notification letter.

To assist drivers and employers, the department has launched a dedicated information page outlining the review process and listing acceptable documents. Questions may also be directed to the Driver Services Call Center via email at CDL.division@tn.gov.

State officials report that the update effort is administrative in nature and is intended to bring legacy records into alignment with current legal standards, while minimizing disruption for Tennessee’s commercial drivers.

Contact Details and to Learn More: As previously stated, not every CDL holder will receive a letter. Drivers who do receive a notice may visit any Driver Services Center with one acceptable document listed in the letter. Examples include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or other approved documents. 

The Department has created a dedicated information page at: www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license/account-review.html. This page includes a list of acceptable documents and details on how to update a CDL record. 

Employers or drivers with questions may contact the Driver Services Call Center at : CDL.division@tn.gov.