NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Tennessee officials say about 8,800 commercial driver’s license holders will receive notices requiring them to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in order to bring older CDL records into compliance with current federal and state requirements. The state says drivers who do not complete the in-person verification process by April 6, 2026 will have their CDL downgraded to a non-commercial driver license until the required documentation is provided.

State officials said the review targets legacy CDL files that were created before today’s documentation rules were required in every record. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said the update effort is tied to current standards and a presidential directive, and emphasized that not every CDL holder will be contacted—only drivers whose records need documentation updates.

According to the state’s guidance, drivers who receive a letter must appear in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center with an acceptable document to complete the record update. Examples of acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or other approved documents listed in the state’s instructions. Officials said only one valid document is required to complete the update, but it must be presented in person.

Tennessee officials said the goal is to ensure all CDL records meet modern requirements so commercial driving credentials are issued and maintained under the correct standards. The state also noted that multiple states have faced increased federal scrutiny over CDL compliance as USDOT pressures states to tighten enforcement related to CDL eligibility and documentation.

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