NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is reminding residents that they have six months before the deadline to obtain a REAL ID.

The State Department reports that a REAL ID will be required (or another federally issued photo ID, such as a passport) to enter or board certain federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. on commercial flights in the United States starting May 7, 2025.

REAL IDs began being issued in July 2019.

“Of the 5.8 million valid credentials in Tennessee, 1.6 million are currently not REAL ID compliant. Tennesseans are encouraged to make a decision before the implementation date to avoid the potential influx of customers to Driver Service Centers,” the department said.

Here’s what you need to do to get a REAL ID:

To apply for a REAL ID, Tennesseans will need to bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security number, and two proofs of state residency.

“If your name has changed, you must also bring a certified legal document justifying the name change. All documents must be original or certified. Photocopies will not be accepted. A complete list of accepted documents is available at tnrealid.gov“, DHS said.

REAL ID applications must be made in person. If you have a driver’s license or state-issued ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a driver service center or participating county clerk.

“Obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Regular Tennessee driver’s licenses will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, accessing hospitals, post offices, to banks, federal courts, etc. “, DHS said.

If you are obtaining a Tennessee license for the first time or need a renewal, the cost of a REAL ID is $28.

“If you obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, an additional duplication fee of $8 or $12 depending on your license classification applies,” DHS explained.

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