REAL ID Required to Fly, Enter Certain Federal Facilities

NASHVILLE — A nationwide mandate is coming to fruition on May 7, 2025 with the implementation of the Real ID.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. These standards provide an additional level of security to protect your identity. It also prohibits Federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards. Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID license or passport to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants, or board commercial flights within the United States.
The Tennesssee Real ID is your driver’s license with a star imprinted on it to designate the Real ID status.
Tennesseans are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or Identification credential. You do not need a REAL ID to: drive, vote, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts, or apply for or receive federal benefits such as Social Security or veteran’s benefits.

A REAL ID will cost the same as a current Tennessee driver's license or photo ID. If it is time to renew your license, the cost to obtain a REAL ID driver license or photo ID will be the standard renewal fee of an eight-year credential. For a standard Class D license, the fee is $28.00 for a eight-year period. However, if you are not within your renewal period and you wish to obtain a REAL ID compliant credential, you will be charged a duplicate fee.
Drivers’ testing facility and many county clerk’s offices can provide a Real ID certification.
These documents are required if you already have a Tennessee Driver License or ID and are applying for a REAL ID compliant credential for the first time or if you are a new Tennessee resident and were previously issued a REAL ID in a different state.
You will need to present the following documents when applying for a REAL ID:
1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence
2. Proof of your full Social Security Number
3. Two proofs of Tennessee Residency
You should also be prepared to provide documentation of any name changes that may have occurred. This may require the presentation of multiple documents.
Note: All documents must be originals or certified. No photocopies will be accepted.