The Department of Safety and Homeland Security in Tennessee is reminding residents of the approaching deadline for obtaining a REAL ID. The REAL ID Act of 2005 mandates that individuals aged 18 and older must have a REAL ID or another federally issued photo identification, such as a passport, to access certain federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants, or board commercial flights within the United States. This requirement will be enforced starting May 7, 2025.
Since July 1, 2019, the Department has been issuing REAL IDs. Out of the 5.8 million valid credentials in Tennessee, 1.6 million are not yet REAL ID compliant. To avoid potential delays, Tennesseans are encouraged to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline.
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To apply, individuals need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If there has been a name change, a certified legal document supporting the change is also required. All documents must be original or certified copies, as photocopies will not be accepted. A complete list of accepted documents is available at tnrealid.gov.
By federal law, applications for a REAL ID must be made in person. Residents with a Tennessee Driver License or ID can apply at a Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk. Those without a Tennessee Driver License or ID must apply at a Driver Services Center.
Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Regular Tennessee driver licenses will still be valid for purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, applying for federal benefits, voting, and accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, and federal courts.
The cost for obtaining a REAL ID during the initial or renewal period is $28. If applied for outside of the renewal period, there is an additional duplication fee ranging from $8 to $12, depending on the license classification.
For further details about the Tennessee REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov.
Source: Read Original Release
Guidance for 2025 ACA Open Enrollment in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) has released details regarding the 2025 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment period, which runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Tennesseans are advised to review their health insurance options early to meet crucial deadlines for coverage adjustments or enrollments on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. Key enrollment dates include November 1 for starting enrollment, December 15 for coverage beginning January 1, and January 15 for coverage starting February 1. More information is available on healthcare.gov.