TN Department of Security and Homeland Security reminds REAL ID deadline in six months

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SECURITY AND HOMELAND SECURITY:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The REAL ID Act of 2005 requires anyone 18 years of age or older to have a REAL ID or other federally issued photo ID, such as a passport, to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants, or board commercial flights. It will go into effect in the United States on May 7, 2025.

The Department of Security and Homeland Security began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019. Of Tennessee’s 5.8 million valid credentials, 1.6 million are currently not compatible with REAL ID. Tennesseans are encouraged to make decisions ahead of the implementation date to avoid a potential influx of customers into Driver Services Centers.

To apply for a REAL ID, customers must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If your name has changed, you must also bring with you a certified legal document supporting the name change. All documents must be original or certified. Photocopies will not be accepted. You can find the full list of accepted documents at: tnrealid.gov.

Federal law requires REAL ID applications to be submitted in person. If you have a Tennessee Driver’s License or ID, you may apply for a REAL ID at the Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk. If you do not have a Tennessee Driver’s License or ID, you must apply for a REAL ID at the Driver Services Center.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Regular Tennessee driver’s licenses are used for driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, federal courts, etc. It will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes, such as

If you are getting a Tennessee license for the first time or it is time to renew your license, the cost to obtain a REAL ID is $28.00. If you obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, you will be charged an additional duplication fee of $8 or $12, depending on your license classification.

For more information about Tennessee REAL ID, visit: tnrealid.gov.

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