Tennessee § 55-50-335 - Color photos on licenses — System for issuing plastic laminated driver licenses bearing color photograph.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-335 — Color photos on licenses — System for issuing plastic laminated driver licenses bearing color photograph., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55-50-335. Color photos on licenses — System for issuing plastic laminated driver licenses bearing color photograph.

All driver licenses shall bear a color photograph of the applicant furnished by the department or bear an endorsement that no photograph is required. No license issued shall be valid unless it bears this photograph or endorsement. The department shall begin developing a plan for implementation of a system for the issuance of plastic laminated driver licenses bearing thereon a color photograph of the licensee, which photograph shall be taken by or under the direction of the department. The department shall use such process or processes in the issuance of licenses that prohibit, as nearly as practicable, the ability to alter or reproduce the license or the ability to superimpose a photograph on the license without ready detection. This system shall permit the keeping of a copy of the actual driver license as issued. In the development and installation of a system for the issuance of licenses, the department shall establish regulations and standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment available for this purpose, and shall provide an opportunity for each reliable and financially responsible company with such a process to demonstrate its process and equipment for the purpose of determining the best available process and equipment at the most economical price. Any contracts for the purchase of material and equipment required to implement this program shall be entered into in accordance with the competitive bid procedures provided for in title 12, chapter 3. The commissioner may solicit outside consulting services in order to accomplish on a competitive basis the design and application of the system and implementation thereof. The commissioner shall require a performance bond sufficient to guarantee the performance of any such lease or franchise contracts that may be entered into, the bond to be sufficient to protect the interests of the state and of the individual license purchasers. In addition to its other duties under the law, the procurement commission shall advise the commissioner on appropriate standards for the evaluation of various processes and equipment, shall observe any demonstrations of processes and equipment, and shall advise the commissioner on the most economic and feasible method available. Acts 1937, ch. 90, § 6; 1943, ch. 56, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2715.14 (Williams, §§ 2715.19, 2715.19a); Acts 1955, ch. 114, § 4; 1967, ch. 97, § 1; 1967, ch. 370, § 1; 1969, ch. 176, §§ 1, 2; 1970, ch. 352, § 1; 1972, ch. 652, § 1; 1974, ch. 444, §§ 3, 4; 1974, ch. 748, § 31; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-707; Acts 1980, ch. 817, § 1; 1982, ch. 618, § 1; 1982, ch. 767, § 1; 1984, ch. 942, § 1; 1987, ch. 446, § 9; 1988, ch. 584, § 7; T.C.A., §§ 55-7-107 , 55-7-108 , 55-7-335 ; Acts 2010, ch. 1037, § 5; 2011, ch. 295, § 19.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-50-335

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-335 cover?

Section 55-50-335 ("Color photos on licenses — System for issuing plastic laminated driver licenses bearing color photograph.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 55-50-335?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-335" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 55-50-335 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.