Real ID Act Deadlines Approaching

To ensure that residents can fly domestically and access certain federal facilities without any disruptions, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is urging individuals to prepare for the new requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which will take effect May 7th, 2025.

Beginning May 7th, Tennessee driver licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants, or board commercial flights within the United States.

Tennesseans can apply for a REAL ID before or after the May 7th implementation date. If you are not planning to travel in the near future, you may choose to wait to get a REAL ID.

If you think you might need a REAL ID to travel, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security encourages you to apply for your new credential well before your planned trip. Getting the hard copy of your new ID in the mail can take up to 20 business days.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Non-REAL ID licenses will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, or accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, federal courts, etc.

To apply for a REAL ID, customers must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If your name has changed, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

Federal law requires REAL ID applications to be made in person. Tennesseans can save time at the Driver Services Center by scheduling an appointment for a REAL ID. Tennesseans can schedule an appointment at tnrealid.gov.

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