Over half of Tennessee drivers have already obtained a Real ID
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security released internal data on Monday about the proliferation of REAL ID following the long-delayed federal implementation of the security measure.
Beginning May 7, a Real ID or another federally-issued ID, such as a passport, became required to board commercial airline flights within the US or enter certain federal buildings. Air travelers who do not present a Real ID or passport may need to undergo additional security screenings.
What to expect at airports now that Real ID is being enforced
Of the approximately 5.8 million licensed drivers in Tennessee, over three million Real IDs have been issued since the department first began distributing them in July 2019. Nearly 12% of those have been issued in the last three months.
According to a state release, 1,860,265 have chosen not to obtain a REAL ID. Nearly 1 million are currently in the renewal cycle and have not yet made a selection.
REAL ID: When you need one and when you don't
There is no cutoff for Tennesseans to apply for one. They can be obtained at any Driver Services Center and some county clerk's offices. Individuals must provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or legal presence, their Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
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'Reaching this milestone reflects the commitment of our Driver Services team across the state,' said Commissioner Jeff Long. 'From front-counter staff to back-office personnel, our employees have worked diligently to process REAL ID applications and serve the public in a timely, professional manner. Their efforts helped us get as many Tennesseans ready as possible before the federal implementation date.'
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