CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — When Tennesseans ring in 2026, several new state laws will quietly take effect, changing how drivers, pet owners, consumers, and even tattoo artists interact with everyday rules.
Here are some of the most notable laws going into effect statewide on January 1.
- A new law makes it a Class B misdemeanor to drive with an invalid driver license in Tennessee. The law also declares that out of state licenses issued exclusively to people in the country illegally are not valid in Tennessee.
New rules for ignition interlock devices
- Drivers required to use ignition interlock devices will get more flexibility. Providers must allow a two week window for required calibrations and inspections. Judges may also reinstate a driver license if the only violation involves missing one of those appointments and there are no other suspensions on the record.
- Judges must now order at least 40 hours of community service for people convicted of animal cruelty, in addition to any other punishment allowed by law.
- Tattoo artists and operators must complete training on how to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. The law is known as the Ink of Hope Act.
- Savanna’s Law creates a statewide registry of persistent domestic violence offenders, which will be maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
- Written driver license exams must now include questions about bicycle hand signals, teaching new drivers how cyclists signal turns, slowing, and stopping.
Online notaries face new requirements
- Anyone wanting to become an online notary public must now complete a training course and pass an exam. The training must cover notary law, technology, and ethics.
Electronic paperwork replaces fax machines
- State agencies must accept electronic transmissions and outdated references to fax machines are removed from state law, modernizing how Tennesseans submit official documents.
Security guards get an enhanced armed designation
- Experienced law enforcement officers and certain military veterans can qualify for a new enhanced armed guard registration after completing additional training approved by the state.
Debt resolution companies face new oversight
- A new law regulates debt resolution services, setting standards for companies that negotiate consumer debt.
More laws take effect throughout the year, but these changes begin as soon as the new year starts…