04-03-2025
Real ID two-month warning: What are the requirements and how to get one in Tennessee as deadline looms
Time is running out to get your Real ID; just two months are left before the long-delayed deadline arrives.
Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone will need to have a Real ID or another approved federally-issued ID to board commercial flights, or to enter certain federal buildings, military bases or nuclear power plants within the United States.
Here's what you need to know about the identification cards, including how to get yours - if you haven't already - so you don't miss your next flight.
Real IDs are not a new idea. In fact, the idea been around for at least 20 years.
The official concept of a Real ID was established by the Real ID Act of 2005. Since then, the enforcement deadline for Real IDs has been kicked down the road for decades, leading us to the May 2025 date when Real ID requirements actually go into effect.
A Real ID is a driver's license or state-issued identification card denoted by a small star in the top right-hand corner. These cards have enhanced security standards including anti-counterfeiting technology, to prevent insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Real IDs are issued in Tennessee and all other U.S. states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
No, Real IDs are not mandatory unless you plan to take a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Tennessee drivers still can opt to get a traditional driver's license or ID with fewer required documents. However, the Real ID and normal driver's license cost exactly the same.
Anyone age 18 or older will need a Real ID to get on a commercial flight starting in May.
In order to get your Real ID in Tennessee, you'll need to present proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
Anyone who has changed their name must provide certified legal documents supporting the name change.
There are many different documents that could fulfill the requirements of proof of U.S. citizenship and/or Tennessee residency. A full list of acceptable documents to bring is available at
Knox County Clerk Cedar Bluff Office, 1028 Old Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Knox County Clerk Downtown Office, 300 W. Main Street, Room 219, Knoxville, open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Knox County Clerk East Town Office, 4734 Centerline Drive, Knoxville, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Knox County Clerk Halls Office, Crossroads Center, 7326 Norris Freeway, Knoxville, open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Knoxville/Strawberry Plains Driver Services Center, 7320 Region Lane, Knoxville, TN 37914, open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Knoxville/Gore Road Driver Services and Reinstatement Center, 209 Gore Road, Knoxville, TN 37919, open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
University of Tennessee Campus Kiosk, 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, Knoxville, TN 37916, open 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday
Find more locations and information at the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website.
Getting a Real ID costs around $28, the same rate as that of a standard Tennessee driver's license or photo ID.
No, A Real ID will meet the identification requirement for voting, but voters also can use a standard state-issued driver's license or ID card to cast their ballots in Tennessee or any other state.
Similarly, the traditional, non-Real-ID license or ID still will be accepted for purchasing alcohol or tobacco, applying for federal benefits or accessing hospitals, post offices, banks and federal courts, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Securitysaid in a news release.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How to get a Real ID in Tennessee? Consider this a two-month warning
