Posted 5/9/24

Beginning May 7th, 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 began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019.

Tennesseans are encouraged to make their decision ahead of the May 7th, 2025, implementation date to avoid the potential influx of customers at Driver Services Centers.

To apply for a REAL ID, customers 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. All documents must be original or certified.  The first application for a REAL ID must be made in person at a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerk partner. If this is your initial issuance, the standard fee is $28.00. However, if you wish to obtain a REAL ID outside of

To get your REAL ID visit a Driver Services Center, customers are encouraged to make an appointment ahead of their visit.