Fact Check: "Undocumented individuals in Tennessee cannot obtain a driver's license."
What We Know
In Tennessee, the eligibility criteria for obtaining a driver's license are explicitly outlined by the state's Department of Safety and Homeland Security. According to the Regular Driver License information, one of the key requirements is that applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The document states, "Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident will not qualify for the issuance of a driver license or identification only license." This clearly indicates that undocumented individuals are ineligible for a standard driver's license in Tennessee.
Additionally, the Driver Services Online portal reinforces this by outlining the necessary documentation required for a driver's license, which includes proof of lawful presence in the U.S. This further supports the claim that undocumented individuals cannot obtain a driver's license in the state.
Analysis
The claim that undocumented individuals in Tennessee cannot obtain a driver's license is substantiated by official state documentation. The sources cited, particularly the Regular Driver License and Driver Services Online, are credible as they are published by the Tennessee state government, which is the authoritative body on this matter.
While there are discussions about the eligibility of certain groups, such as asylum seekers with valid work permits, these exceptions do not apply to undocumented individuals. For instance, the Tennessee - Driver's Licenses for Asylum Seekers source indicates that individuals with valid work permits can obtain licenses, but this is distinct from the status of undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, the broader context of state policies regarding driver's licenses for undocumented individuals varies across the U.S., with some states allowing such licenses under specific conditions, while Tennessee maintains a stricter policy. The information provided by the NCSL highlights this inconsistency across states, further validating Tennessee's restrictive stance.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that undocumented individuals in Tennessee cannot obtain a driver's license is true. The evidence from official state sources clearly outlines that only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible for a driver's license in Tennessee, thereby excluding undocumented individuals from obtaining one.
