Virtual Currency Kiosks

TO:                MTMA Licensees and Persons Applying to TDFI to Operate Virtual Currency Kiosks in Tennessee
DATE:            June 4, 2026
SUBJECT:     Public Chapter 766, Acts of 2026 - Regarding Virtual Currency Kiosks
 

Public Chapter 766, Acts of 2026, effective July 1, 2026, makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a virtual kiosk operator or other person to knowingly install or allow installation of, permit, place, or otherwise operate a virtual currency kiosk in Tennessee. Public Chapter 766 can be found here.

Public Chapter 766 defines “virtual currency kiosk” as an electronic terminal acting as a mechanical agent of the virtual currency kiosk operator to enable the virtual currency kiosk operator to facilitate the exchange of virtual currency for money, bank credit, or other virtual currency, including by: 1) connecting directly to a separate virtual currency exchange that performs the actual virtual currency transmission; or 2) drawing upon the virtual currency in the possession of the electronic terminal's operator.

Further, Public Chapter 766 defines “electronic terminal” as an electronic device through which a person may initiate an electronic fund transfer to access the person’s deposit, share or other accounts or credit facility and includes an automated teller machine, cash dispensing machine, point of sale terminal, or other cash, debit, stored value, script or cash equivalent device.

And, Public Chapter 766 defines “virtual currency kiosk operator” as a person that: 1) engages in virtual currency business activity via an electronic terminal located in this state or a person that owns, operates, or manages an electronic terminal located in this state through which virtual currency business activity is offered; 2) knowingly permits the use or installation of a virtual currency kiosk on property owned, leased, or controlled by the person; or 3) owns a virtual kiosk that is located or operated in this state.

Public Chapter 766 takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to acts occurring on or after July 1.

Be advised that, in addition to the criminal penalty set forth in Public Chapter 766, persons licensed under the Money Transmission Modernization Act (MTMA) may also be subject to appropriate enforcement actions for violations of Public Chapter 766. Moreover, if a MTMA licensee is currently operating a virtual currency kiosk that would be impermissible on July 1, the Department requests that the licensee notify the Department, by June 18, 2026, of its plans to disengage in this virtual currency kiosk activity in this state and comply with Public Chapter 766.

Any questions may be directed to the Nicole Chamblee, Compliance Division, Assistant Commissioner, by telephone, at (615) 253-6714, or by e-mail, at Nicole.Chamblee@tn.gov.

Greg Gonzales
Commissioner
 

A downloadable/printable PDF version of the Virtual Currency Kiosks Bulletin (C-26-1).