TN Dept of Safety - Real ID - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5/7/2025

AKA:

Gold Star ID

Description:

By May 7, 2025, persons in TN will no longer be able to fly commercially, or enter some Federal buildings or nuclear sites without a Real ID (however you can still use other documents, like a US Passport or Permanent Resident Card or other approved documents like the TSA issued Global Entry card to pass security to fly on a commercial airline). YOU DO NOT NEED A REAL ID TO DRIVE, VOTE, PURCHASE ALCOHOL OR CIGARETTES, VISIT HOSPITALS, POST OFFICES OR FEDERAL COURTS, OR TO APPLY FOR OR RECEIVE FEDERAL BENEFITS SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY OR VETERANS' BENEFITS. The new Real IDs, which began to be issued in TN in July 2019, are designated by a gold star on the license and include heightened security features like holograms that make them difficult to copy. In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act to set stricter nationwide security standards for driver's licenses and photo IDs, and each state must comply. Persons can still drive and use their current licenses in the state. But only the new state-issued Real ID licenses meet the stricter standards for entering some Federal government offices and military bases, nuclear power plants or federally-regulated commercial airline flights. Future noncompliant state issued drivers licenses or photo IDs will say "Not for federal identification" on the card. The new real ID require extra documentation, but will cost the same as renewing your drivers license or replacing it. Real IDs have to be obtained for the first time in person at TN Driver Services Centers or at participating County Clerk's offices, but once they have been issued for the first time, renewals or replacements can then be obtained from self-service TN Safety Center kiosks or online. As of October 2019, the following TN County Clerk's offices were issuing the Real ID: Campbell, Chester, Clay, Giles, Grainger, Hamilton, Henderson, Houston, Jefferson, Knox, Monroe, Sequatchie, Shelby, Sullivan, Union and Wilson, but more should be added soon (eventually all County Clerk's offices will be trained to issue Real Ids). [In Shelby County, Real IDs are being issued at the downtown Shelby County Clerk's office at 150 Washington Avenue, Suite 103, Memphis 38103, in addition to three Driver Services Centers.

Hours:

Hours vary by site; see driver service centers or county clerk office in your area for specific hours; most Driver Service Centers in the state are open Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Intake Process:

NOTE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY IS EXTENDING THE REAL ID ENFORCEMENT DEADLINE TO MAY 3, 2023. Must apply in person at TN Driver Service Center or participating County Clerk's offices for the first time you get the Real ID; after that you may renew online or at self-service Driver Service Center kiosks

Program Fees:

Fees are the same as renewing or replacing your TN Driver's license or photo ID, but fees at County Clerk's offices may be slightly higher

Eligibility:

TN residents; must provide additional documentation to get the Real ID as well as current photo ID or drivers license; requires one document to prove citizenship or legal presence, proof of social security number and 2 proofs of TN residency, and ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED; NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED.
Accepted Documents: 1. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP must show the applicant's legal name and full date of birth. Applicant must present ONE (1) of the following documents: Birth Certificate from the State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent with a raised an/or color seal; Valid, unexpired US passport or passport card; US certificate or consular report of birth abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545); Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by DHS or INS (I-551); Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS (I-766 or I-688B); Unexpired foreign passport with valid US visa and approved I-94 form; Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (N-550, N-570 or N-578); or Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS (N-560 or N-561). 2. PROOF OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER; applicant must present ONE (1) of the following approved documents showing applicant's name and full Social Security Number: W-2 (within last 12 months); 1099 (within last 12 months); Social Security Card; or Payroll check stub. 3. PROOF OF TENNESSEE RESIDENCY; these documents must show the applicant's name and physical address. Applicant must present TWO (2) of the following documents: Home utility bill (within last four months), Online bills must have URL address displayed. Wireless phone plans cannot be accepted; Current Tennessee vehicle registration or certificate of title (may use one, not both); Current Tennessee Voter Registration card; IRS tax return (within last 12 months); Bank statement (within past four months); Payroll check stub (within past four months); Current rental/mortgage contract or receipt, including deed of sale for property (handwritten rental contracts or agreements must be notarized; Current homeowner or renter insurance policy; Current automobile, life or health insurance policy; Receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid with the previous year; Installment loans, such as automobile, student loan or bank loans; Current employer verification of resident address or letter from employer as long as it is on company letterhead with original signature (if employer does not have letterhead, then signature of employer must be notarized); Current driver license or ID or Handgun Carry Permit issued by the TN Department of Safety to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant; or Applicant's Driver License or ID or Handgun Carry Permit issued by the TN Department of Safety.

Is Shelter?

No

Date of Official Change:

May 25, 2023

Address Listings

Phone Numbers