The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said state residents should prepare for the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, going into effect Wednesday, May 7.
Beginning May 7, 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.
Another Federally-issued ID, such as a passport, can be used in place of a REAL ID.
Non-REAL ID driver’s licenses will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits or voting. For the complete list of acceptable IDs, visit the Transportation Security Administration's website, .
Tennessee identification cards that are REAL ID compliant will feature a gold star on the top right corner if they were issued before 2024. ID cards issued after 2024 feature a black star in the same corner.
TDOSHS has issued reminders every several months.
鈥淭ennesseans can apply for a REAL ID before or after the May 7 implementation date. If you are not planning to travel in the near future, you may choose to wait to get a REAL ID,鈥 TDOSHS said in a press release. If you think you might need a REAL ID to travel, TDOSHS 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.鈥
To apply for a REAL ID, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number and two proofs of Tennessee residency are required. Utility bills, bank statements, Tennessee Motor Vehicle Registration and IRS W-2 forms are examples of proof of residency.
If your name has changed, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change. 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. The Wilson County Clerk requires appointments to be made in advance.
The cost for obtaining a REAL ID license for either first time licensees or renewals is $28. If obtaining a REAL ID outside of the renewal period, there is a duplication fee of $8 or $12, depending on license classification.
Most credentials, including REAL ID, renew on an eight-year cycle. The cost to renew a REAL ID is the same as the non-REAL ID version of that credential. Tennesseans with a valid REAL ID do not need to present documents to renew it.
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