Tennessee Officials Urge Early Compliance as REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Approaches

With the enforcement of the REAL ID Act set six months away, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is urging citizens to update their identification cards. Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID or another form of federally issued photographic identification, like a passport, will be mandatory for entering specific federal premises, boarding domestic flights, and accessing military bases and nuclear power plants. This announcement stresses the importance of compliance to avoid a rush at service centers.

Since July 1, 2019, when Tennessee began issuing these compliant IDs, out of 5.8 million valid credentials, there are yet 1.6 million that’s not up to REAL ID standards. A push by the Department aims to encourage residents to get ahead of the implementation date and steer clear of the anticipated onslaught at Driver Services Centers. In a statement obtained by

the official announcement

, Tennesseans have been reminded of the necessary documentation required to apply for a REAL ID, which includes proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, Social Security Number, and two proofs of residency in Tennessee.

Federal law insists that applications for a REAL ID must be performed in person, posing a potential logistical challenge for residents and the Department. Eligible individuals with a Tennessee Driver License or ID can apply at any Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk’s office. For those without a state ID, an in-person application at a Driver Services Center is required. A comprehensive list of accepted documents has been outlined on the state’s dedicated REAL ID website for ease of reference.

While obtaining a REAL ID is not compulsory, those who abstain may find themselves limited in certain federal interactions come next May. Tennessee’s standard driver licenses will remain valid for routine identification tasks, such as driving or purchasing age-restricted products. As for the fees, the state has set the price for a REAL ID license at $28. However, if one opts for a REAL ID outside their renewal period, they’ll encounter a duplicate fee, which could be $8 or $12 based on the specific license classification.

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