The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is preparing for the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which will take effect in three months. To accommodate the upcoming federal requirements, TDOSHS has expanded access by adding 1,432 additional REAL ID-specific appointment slots per day at Driver Services Centers statewide.
The REAL ID Act mandates that individuals aged 18 or older must possess a REAL ID or another federally issued photo ID to board commercial flights within the United States or to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants.
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TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long emphasized the importance of the expansion, stating, “The REAL ID appointment expansion helps ensure that Tennesseans have the opportunity to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the federal deadline. Our goal is to make the process as convenient as possible and to help travelers avoid last-minute delays.”
Currently, more than 2.7 million Tennesseans have acquired REAL ID-compliant credentials, whereas nearly 1.2 million have yet to decide on obtaining one. Another 1.9 million have opted not to pursue a REAL ID-compliant credential. The issuance of REAL IDs in Tennessee began on July 1, 2019.
Commissioner Long encouraged residents to take advantage of the increased appointment availability, advising, “By planning ahead, you can avoid longer lines and ensure you have the credentials needed for travel and federal access.”
To apply for a REAL ID, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If there has been a name change, certified legal documents supporting the name change(s) are also required. All documents must be original or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. TDOSHS suggests using the online pre-approval portal to ensure all required documents are correct. The complete list of accepted documents and the pre-approval portal can be found at tnrealid.gov.
Federal law necessitates that REAL ID applications be submitted in person. Residents with a Tennessee Driver License or ID may apply for a REAL ID 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. To save time, scheduling an appointment is recommended. Appointments can be made through tnrealid.gov.
Obtaining a REAL ID is optional, as non-REAL ID licenses remain valid for general identification, such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, and accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, and federal courts.
Following REAL ID implementation, Tennesseans may also use a valid passport or other federally issued photo ID for domestic flights. For a complete list of acceptable IDs, visit the Transportation Security Administration website at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
The cost for obtaining a REAL ID is $28.00 when getting a Tennessee license for the first time or during license renewal. For those applying outside the renewal period, an additional duplication fee of $8 or $12 is applicable, based on the license classification.
For further details on Tennessee REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov.
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