Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, beginning May 7, 2025, Tennessee residents aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID or other federally issued photo ID, like a passport, to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants, or to board commercial flights within the United States.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has been issuing REAL IDs since July 1, 2019. Currently, 1.6 million out of the state’s 5.8 million valid credentials are not REAL ID compliant. To avoid long waits at Driver Services Centers, Tennesseans are encouraged to plan ahead before the implementation date.
To apply for a REAL ID, residents must bring:
– Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence,
– Proof of Social Security Number,
– Two proofs of Tennessee residency.
If you’ve had a name change, a certified legal document verifying the change is required. All documents must be original or certified; photocopies won’t be accepted.
Federal law mandates in-person applications for REAL IDs. Tennesseans with a state driver license or ID can apply at a Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk’s office. Those without a Tennessee driver license or ID must apply at a Driver Services Center.
Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Standard Tennessee driver licenses will remain valid for general identification purposes, including driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, applying for federal benefits, voting, and accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, and federal courts.