Tennessee adds more REAL ID appointments ahead of federal implementation date
TENNESSEE (WHNT) — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said it would add more appointment dates for residents to get their REAL ID ahead of the May 7 federal implementation date.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said on Saturday, April 5, 19 additional Driver Services Centers will be open by appointment only for residents to get their REAL ID.
The REAL ID adds a little star symbol on your driver's license. The star indicates that the ID meets the security standards set by the REAL ID Act.
The special Saturday openings are limited to customers seeking a REAL ID and are by appointment only. Appointments are available to customers with valid Tennessee driver's licenses or identification cards and who bring the required documentation.
Appointments must be scheduled in advance on the Tennessee REAL ID website here.
'This is all about being responsive to the needs of Tennesseans,' said Commissioner Jeff Long. 'We know many people have work, school or family obligations during the week. That's why we're expanding access on a Saturday — to give customers more flexibility.'
The Federal Implementation Date is May 7. THSDS said this is NOT the deadline to get a REAL ID, but rather the day the government will be enforcing the REAL ID requirement.
Once the REAL ID requirement kicks in, federal agencies like TSA will be prohibited from accepting state-issued IDs that do not meet the necessary standards.
However, Tennessee residents can continue to get a REAL ID after May 7. TDSHS said there is no state-imposed deadline and that an existing Tennessee driver's license or ID will still be valid for other purposes such as driving, voting or accessing emergency services.
'If you're unsure whether you need a REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov,' said Assistant Commissioner Russell Shoup. 'If you don't fly or access secure federal sites, you may not need one at all. But if you do, we want to make sure you have access to get one without stress.'
After May 7, a REAL ID (or an alternative like a valid U.S. passport or military ID) will be required to board commercial domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases or federal buildings.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, instituting a national minimum requirement for state driver's licenses and ID cards. The requirements are that states must now at least require proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal residency and two forms verifying your address before issuing a driver's license or ID card.
TDSHS said customers in urban or high-demand areas should consider booking appointments at Driver Services Centers in neighboring counties.
The participating Driver Services Centers for REAL ID appointments on April 5 are:
Oak Ridge
Knoxville – Strawberry Plains
Rockwood
Bonny Oaks
Morristown
Johnson City
Hickory Hollow
Lebanon
Murfreesboro – Samsonite Blvd
Franklin
Columbia
Cookeville
Clarksville
East Shelby
Bartlett Express
Jackson
Oakland
Trenton
Savannah
What required documents do you need to bring with you to apply for a REAL ID?
THSDS said Tennessee residents need proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of full social security number and two proofs of Tennessee residence. All documents must be originals or certified, no photocopies will be accepted.
Note: THSDS said if your name has changed from what is listed on any of the required documents, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc.
If you have a Tennessee Commercial Driver's License, you will need to present the following documents when applying for the REAL ID:
Proof to establish citizenship or legal presence:
Official birth certificate issued by a State Office or Vital Statistic or equivalent with a raised seal and/or color seal
U.S. Certificate of Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350, FS-240 or FS-545)
Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578)
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by DHS or INS (I-551)
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form
Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B)
Proof of your FULL Social Security Number:
Social Security Card
Payroll check stub
W-2 form for the current tax year or dated within the last twelve 12 months
1099 form for the current tax year or dated within the last 12 months
TWO proofs of residence:
Current utility bill including telephone, electric, water, gas, cable, etc.
Current Tennessee vehicle registration or certificate of title showing Tennessee address (may use one, not both)
Mortgage papers, including property deed or mortgage payment coupon or book
Copy of Lease Agreement or contract with notarized signatures OR accompanied by signed realty agency letterhead confirming lease validity
Voter registration card (application for voter registration not accepted)
Military LES papers listing Tennessee as home of record (this is the ONLY document that won't have the address)
Note: All CDL License holders are required to have a valid DOT Medical on file with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security or in their possession at the time of visiting the Driver Services Center.
To learn more about the Tennessee REAL ID requirements, visit its website here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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