Nashville, TN — The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) and Holland & Associates PC filed a legal petition today in Davidson County Chancery Court, challenging the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS) for refusing to issue accurate driver’s licenses and state IDs to transgender individuals.

The renewed legal action comes as part of the ongoing case Doe et al. v. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, initially filed in April 2024. The suit centers around a plaintiff known as "Jane Doe," whose identity is protected for safety reasons. Doe claims the state's refusal to provide an ID that reflects her gender identity has disrupted her life and increased her risk of discrimination and violence.

A second plaintiff, Chrissy Miller, had previously succeeded in updating the gender marker on her license, only to later face a directive from TDSHS to surrender it or risk losing her driving privileges. That action was temporarily blocked by a judge.

In September 2024, the court ordered TDSHS to review its stance. However, following a January 2025 hearing, the department reaffirmed its position, stating it would continue denying accurate identification to transgender individuals in Tennessee. After TDSHS refused to pause enforcement of its rule, ACLU-TN filed the petition now before the court.

"All people deserve the freedom to live their lives safely and with dignity," said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, ACLU-TN senior staff attorney. “Forcing people to carry IDs that contradict who they are is cruel, unfair, and unlawful.”

Source: ACLU

ACLU-TN Contact / Information: ACLU-TN Legal Help.

Read the full petition here: Filed Petition PDF
Press release: ACLU-TN Press Statement