The Real ID deadline is now extended for another two years. A DHS statement says backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic led to the extension.
The REAL ID Act will go into effect on May 7, 2025, meaning that Tennesseans only have six months left to make sure their ID'S are REAL ID compliant.
The ID's are required for people 18 years old or older to enter certain federal buildings or board commercial flights within the United States. According to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, of the Volunteer State's 5.8 million valid credentials, 1.6 million are not currently REAL ID compliant.
The department is encouraging Tennesseans to decide whether to update their ID's before the implementation date to avoid the potential influx of customers to Driver Services Centers.
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, the REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. The act prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act's minimum standards.
A REAL ID compliant driver license is a credential that can be used for activities such as boarding a commercial domestic flight or entering certain federal facilities in addition to normal license or ID use.
REAL ID compliant driver licenses have a small gold circle with a star in the right corner of the license, while non-REAL ID driver licenses display the phrase, "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES."
What is the deadline to obtain a REAL ID in Tennessee?
No, obtaining a REAL ID is completely optional. It is not required for any other reason than to allow you to continue to fly domestically and access certain federal facilities. Non-REAL ID compliant driver licenses will still be accepted for operating motorized vehicles.
All documents must be original or certified, photocopies will not be accepted.
What is the cost to obtain a REAL ID?
If you are getting a Tennessee license for the first time or it is time to renew your license, the cost to get a REAL ID is $28.00. If you get a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, there is a fee of either $8 or $12 depending on your license classification, said the department of safety.
Where to get a REAL ID in Tennessee?
You must apply for a REAL ID in person, according to federal law. If you have already been issued a Tennessee driver license or ID, you may apply for a REAL ID at a driver services center or at participating county clerk offices.
If you do not have a Tennessee driver license or ID, you can apply at a full service driver services center.
If you already have a REAL ID and would like to renew, you may do so online, at a self-service kiosk, visit a county clerk office or use the mail-in option.