Tennessee Launched Iris AI Chatbot

The state's Department of Commerce and Insurance unveiled an AI tool to assist residents with licensing inquiries.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration featuring stylized brass medallions and administrative volumes, representing government licensing services and digital system deployment. — The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance launched Iris, an AI chatbot providing automated assistance for state professional licensing inquiries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust AI-powered chatbots to provide accurate information regarding state licensing and government services?

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has introduced Iris, an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide round-the-clock support for state licensing requirements. Available in both English and Spanish, the tool offers a new way for residents to access official information.

Why it matters

The department developed the service to ensure that residents and professionals have access to critical licensing assistance even during nontraditional hours. By automating routine inquiries, the agency aims to enhance accessibility for individuals seeking regulatory information.

The Iris chatbot was completed following two years of development work. It offers 24/7 access to information regarding state licensing requirements for users.

The players

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance

This state agency oversees the regulation of various industries and professional licensing requirements in Tennessee.

The details

Users can access the chatbot through the TDCI CORE and Regulatory Boards Division webpages after reviewing a mandatory notice regarding data protection and AI limitations. While the chatbot can retrieve individual licensee application data, it is prohibited from sharing a customer's personal information.

September 22, 2026: The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance launched the Iris chatbot.

The Big Picture

The launch of Iris follows the digital modernization initiatives currently being implemented within the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Regulatory Boards Division. This integration marks a significant shift toward AI-driven self-service models in state regulatory administration.

Users can now check licensing status or application information at any time without waiting for office hours. If direct assistance is needed, the chatbot remains connected to the customer service center, which operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

The implementation of Iris highlights a growing trend of state agencies utilizing AI to improve service efficiency for residents. Users should always review the mandatory data protection disclosures before interacting with government AI tools to ensure their information remains secure.