Tennessee Seeks Citizenship Proof From 8,000 CDL Holders

Tennessee is asking about 8,000 commercial driver license holders to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence following an audit by the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

State officials say the update is needed to ensure compliance with federal requirements that all CDL records include documentation of citizenship or lawful status. Many affected drivers received their licenses before those rules were in place. Tennessee announced Jan. 8 that it is updating older CDL records to meet current state and federal standards.

Out of roughly 150,000 Tennessee-issued CDLs, about 8,000 drivers will receive mailed notices requesting documentation that was not required at the time their licenses were issued. Drivers who do not receive a letter do not need to take action.

Only one acceptable document is required, and drivers must appear in person at a Driver Services Center. The deadline to comply is April 6. CDL holders who miss the deadline will have their licenses downgraded to noncommercial status until proof is provided.

State and industry leaders say the effort protects the integrity of the CDL program and aligns Tennessee with federal safety and enforcement priorities. Source: https://www.ttnews.com