Tennessee Launched AI Chatbot Iris for Licensees
The state introduced an artificial intelligence tool to provide around-the-clock support for professional licensing.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has launched an AI chatbot named Iris to assist licensed professionals. The tool provides information on state licensing requirements through the CORE system and is available in both English and Spanish.
Why it matters
Iris offers around-the-clock assistance to more than 357,000 licensees, helping professionals access information outside of standard business hours. This initiative aims to streamline interactions with the state's 26 regulatory programs.
Iris supports over 357,000 licensees across 26 regulatory programs in English and Spanish. The system operates outside of standard hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time while maintaining access to CORE database files without sharing personal data.
The players
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
This state agency manages regulatory boards and licensing for a wide variety of professional industries across Tennessee.
CORE licensing system
This is the primary digital platform used by the state for processing applications and managing professional records.
The details
Users can access the tool by selecting the chat icon on the CORE website or the Regulatory Boards Division page. The system is designed to notify users when it cannot answer a specific question and requires human support for further resolution.
Timeline
The chatbot Iris had a soft launch in August 2026.
The agency announced the broader launch of Iris on September 22, 2026.
The Tech Race
The implementation of Iris follows a broader trend of integrating automated support into the CORE licensing system. This shift marks a transition from manual, hour-dependent customer service toward an always-on digital infrastructure for state regulatory functions.
Licensees can now receive immediate answers to queries regarding requirements during evenings and weekends when traditional customer service is closed. Users must simply click the chat icon on the website to begin receiving assistance in their preferred language.
The takeaway
Automated tools like Iris allow state agencies to scale support services to meet high inquiry volumes without increasing human headcount. Professionals should continue to monitor the system for updates as the state expands its digital service offerings.
Further reading
Learn more about how the state is deploying new technology by visiting Artificial Intelligence.
More information
Access the new tool or manage your account at the CORE licensing system website.
Live Poll
Do you trust artificial intelligence chatbots to handle your official licensing or government inquiries accurately?
