NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennesseans have around six months left to get a REAL ID before new rules go into effect that could prevent them from entering federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants or flying on commercial flights.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 requires anyone 18 years old or older to have either a REAL ID or a federally-issued photo ID, like a passport, to enter those facilities and to fly commercially. The deadline to get a REAL ID before the rules went into effect was repeatedly pushed back and was most recently extended to May 7, 2025.
That gives people just six months to get IDs that comply with the law before the Transportation Security Administration said it would start enforcing the new rules.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said out of the state's 5.8 million credentials, around 1.6 million were not REAL ID compliant. According to another report, around 56% of IDs in the United States are compliant with the REAL ID system.
To get a REAL ID, people in Tennessee need to visit a Driver Services Center and show proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, as well as their social security number. People will also need to provide two documents proving they live in the state, such as paystubs or tax returns.
Federal law requires people to apply for a REAL ID in person, but getting one is optional. After the May 7 deadline, people will still be able to use regular Tennessee driver's licenses for general identification such as driving, buying alcohol, applying for benefits and more.
