Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) is gearing up to begin issuing the new Certificate for Driving on July 1, which is available to persons who do not qualify for a Tennessee driver license. A Tennessee driver license is now only available to United States citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country.

"Tennessee's new driver license policy is the first of its kind," said TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips. "The department has worked hard to effectively implement the changes by making modifications in our staffing, training and issuance procedures."

The change in Tennessee driver license policy went into effect May 29, 2004. In addition to first-time driver license applicants, Tennesseans issued a driver license since January 1, 2001, are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency when they renew. Anyone reinstating his or her driver license because of suspension, revocation or cancellation is also required to provide proper documentation.

"As when any changes are made, there are questions and concerns that require time for explanation," added Commissioner Phillips. "We've are taking a number of steps to maintain a strong and responsive level of customer service, but we encourage everyone visiting a driver license station to come prepared with the proper documentation."

A list of accepted documents for both a driver license and the Certificate for Driving are available at www.tennessee.gov/safety. The department has established a toll-free hotline explaining the new policy and the Certificate for Driving. The hotline number is 1-866-368-6335. Also persons can email questions to the department at cfd.help@state.tn.us.

The department has added 25 temporary employees to supplement the existing driver license personnel. In addition, TDOS has provided additional training to all driver license personnel about the new policies and procedures as well as the required documentation all applicants must provide.

The department has also notified law enforcement, business and retail organizations at the local, state and federal level of the changes.

Governor Bredesen proposed this new driver license policy after lengthy consultation with officials from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, the State Department of Safety and other stakeholders. "Protecting Tennesseans is my highest priority," Bredesen said in April when he proposed the legislation. "I felt it was necessary to take a strong stand to ensure we're providing the highest level of safety to our citizens, both in homeland security and in public safety." Individuals eligible for a new "certificate of driving" include:

Persons who have temporary, legal documents from the U.S. government (work visa, educational visas, etc.). This certificate will expire at the same time as their temporary, legal documents expire.

• Persons who do not meet the eligibility requirement for a license, but can provide proof of identity and residence in Tennessee, may also apply for a certificate. Certificates issued to these persons will be valid for only one year.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.