Beginning May 3, 2023, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal facilities, military bases and board commercial flights within the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019, and has issued more than 2 million REAL ID credentials to date.
To apply for a REAL ID, customers will need to 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. All documents must be originals or certified. Photocopies will not be accepted.
The first application for a REAL ID must be made in person at a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerk Partner. Participating locations can be found on www.tnrealid.gov.
Everyone who wished to obtain a REAL ID is encouraged to apply before the deadline on May 3, 2023, to avoid the potential influx of customers at the Driver Services Centers.