Beginning May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act of 2005 will go into effect. Anyone 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID credential to access certain federal facilities, board commercial flights, nuclear power plants, and military bases in the U.S. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019. Of the 5.8 million valid credentials in Tennessee, 1.6 million citizens have yet to decide about obtaining a REAL ID. Tennesseans are encouraged to make their decision ahead of the May 7, 2025, implementation date to avoid the potential influx of customers at Driver Services Centers.
To apply for a REAL ID, you must bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, a valid Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. In addition, if there has been a name change, a certified legal document supporting the name change must be presented with the approved documents. A complete list of accepted documents and more information about Tennessee REAL ID can be found at www.tnrealid.gov..