Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-18-104: License requirement

(a) No person shall engage in, or in any manner advertise engagement in, the business of cashing payment instruments without first obtaining a license under this chapter. A separate license shall be required for each location from which the business is conducted.

(b) Any licensed money transmitter or registered industrial loan and thrift company engaged in the business of cashing payment instruments on October 1, 2007, may continue to engage in the business of cashing payment instruments without a license issued by the commissioner, until the commissioner has acted upon the application for license, if the application is filed by December 31, 2007.