Apply Now For Real ID Before May Deadline

Tennessee Department of Homeland Security reminding residents that the Real ID Act goes into effect next May.

The Real ID Act was created in 2005 and will require anyone 18 years old or older to have a REAL ID or other federally issued photo ID, such as a passport, to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants or board commercial flights within the United States. A Real ID will be a white star within a black circle located in the top right corner of a driver’s license. Department of Homeland Security Middle Tennessee Regional Manager Amber White said the Real ID Act will establish new security standards while also protecting your identity.

“These standards just provide an additional level of security,” White said. “It prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and IDs from states that actually do not meet those requirements.”

White said Tennesseans can go ahead and apply for their Real ID either online or at their local Department of Motor Vehicles. White said she recommends applying early as she expects a backlog of applications once the act does take effect.

“If you plan on doing things that would require that Real ID you need to be mindful of giving yourself another 20-30 business days to get that hard card for flying or if you have loved ones that are in the military to go see them,” White said. “So starting May 7th you are going to have to have that Real ID, so being proactive and going ahead and getting that star on the license it’s just going to help make a smoother process for all involved.”

White said it has been a long process for the state to implement the act.

“With COVID unfortunately it kind of put us behind,” White said. “So we pushed that date out to 2025 to kind of let Tennesseans get that extra time to get the documents needed to come Real ID compliant.”

The Real ID Act will take effect on May 7th, 2025. White said the Real ID is optional. White said Tennesseans will still be able to purchase items like alcohol and tobacco with a standard driver’s license.

White said the requirements to obtain a Real ID are proof of U.S. Citizenship, a Social Security card, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Those who have legally changed their name must bring a document supporting the name change. All documents must be original and certified. Photocopies of documents will not be accepted.