When do you need a REAL ID to fly? Where to buy in Tennessee

The REAL ID Act goes into effect on May 7, 2025, which means Tennesseans have just six months to make sure their IDs are REAL ID compliant.

People 18 years of age or older require identification to enter certain federal buildings or board commercial flights in the United States. According to a expression From the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, 1.6 million of the Volunteer State’s 5.8 million valid identification documents are currently not REAL ID compatible.

The Department encourages Tennesseans to decide whether to update their ID before the implementation date to prevent a potential influx of customers into Driver Services Centers.

Here’s what you need to know before the deadline.

What is the REAL ID Act? What is REAL ID?

According to the Tennessee Department of Security, the REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for licensing and manufacturing. The Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards.

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is a credential that can be used for activities such as boarding a commercial domestic flight or entering certain federal facilities, in addition to regular license or ID use.

REAL ID-compliant driver licenses feature a small gold circle with a star in the right corner of the license, while non-REAL ID driver licenses display “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES.”

What is the deadline to get a REAL ID in Tennessee?

The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is May 7, 2025.

Are REAL IDs required by law in Tennessee?

No, getting a REAL ID is completely optional. It is not required for any reason other than to allow you to fly domestically and access certain federal facilities. Non-REAL ID compliant driver licenses will continue to be accepted for the operation of motor vehicles.

What documents are needed to issue a REAL ID?

To apply for a REAL ID you will need:

Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
Proof of Your Social Security Number
Two proofs of residence in Tennessee

All documents must be original or certified, photocopies will not be accepted.

How much does it cost to get a REAL ID?

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. The security department said that if you obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, there will be a fee of $8 or $12, depending on your license classification.

Where to get REAL ID in Tennessee?

Federal law requires you to apply for a REAL ID in person. If you have already been issued a Tennessee driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at: driver service to central or while participating county clerk offices.

If you do not have a Tennessee driver’s license or ID, you can apply at: full service driver services center.

If you already have a REAL ID and want to renew it, you can do so. onlineOne self-service kioskVisit a county clerk’s office or use the mail-in option.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her at @_leyvadiana on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.