What is the Tennessee Real ID? Does everybody need one? Should you help the elderly loved ones in your care get one? This article answers many of the most common questions we're hearing.
What is REAL ID?
In 2005, Congress passed what is called the REAL ID Act. The law created a series of minimum security standards for states to implement and prohibited federal agencies from accepting IDs that do not meet such standards.
The legislation requires that anyone who wants to use federal facilities, such as a military base or nuclear power plant, or fly on a commercial airplane have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative such as a U.S. passport. The law was originally scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2020, but, thanks to COVID and other delays, implementation was postponed. The law will now go into effect on May 3, 2023.
Does your elderly loved one need to get a REAL ID?
It depends. If someone you're caring for plans to fly on a commercial airline or visit a military base, you might want to consider upgrading to the REAL ID. However, a valid passport will get your loved one through the airport security checkpoint just fine. If you want to skip getting the REAL ID for your loved one, just make sure that they have a passport that hasn't expired.
How can you get a REAL ID?
Unlike renewing or purchasing a replacement driver’s license, which can be done at kiosks or online, you must go to a driver's license facility with required documents in order to get a REAL ID. This is where things can get sticky. If you plan to go to a driver's license center to get your REAL ID, plan to arrive early and wait. The lines are long.
What documents are required to get a REAL ID?
Be prepared! The documentation requirements to get a REAL ID are much more strict than the requirements to renew your driver's license. You'll need to present three types of documents: proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residence.
To prove your citizenship or legal presence, you must produce one of the following documents:
birth certificate;
an unexpired U.S. passport;
a U.S certificate or consular report of birth abroad;
a valid and unexpired permanent resident card provided by DHS or INS;
an unexpired employment authorization document provided by DHS;
an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form;
a certificate of naturalization issued by DHS; or
a certificate of citizenship issued by DHS.
If you have changed your name, including if you were married or divorced, then you will also need to bring in additional documents, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or a court order.
To prove your Social Security number, you must produce one of the following documents:
an original Social Security card;
a W-2 form issued within the last year;
a 1099 issued within the last year; or
a payroll check stub.
To prove your Tennessee residency, you must produce two of the following documents:
a home utility bill issued in the last four months;
a current Tennessee vehicle registration or certificate of title;
a current Tennessee voter registration card;
an IRS tax return, issued within the last year;
a bank statement, issued within the last four months;
a payroll check stub, issued within the last four months;
a current mortgage or rental contract;
a current homeowner or renter insurance policy;
a current automobile, life, or health insurance policy;
a receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid in the last year;
installment loans, including for automobiles, student loans, or bank loans;
current employer verification of residence documents;
a current Tennessee driver's license; or
a current Tennessee handgun carry permit.
All of these documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Where can you get a REAL ID?
If you’re already a resident with a Tennessee-issued driver’s license, then you can go to any state-run facility that provides driver’s license services. If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you will need to go to a full-service driver’s license facility. If you live in Sumner County, that means a trip to the full-service driver's license center at 855 N. Blue Jay Way, just off of Nashville Pike in Gallatin. In some parts of Tennessee, county clerks are also able to issue REAL IDs, however, Sumner County isn't yet one of them.
There's also talk that the state plans to open mobile driver's license facilities that will be able to issue REAL IDs, but no one knows when that will happen or whether a mobile facility will come to Sumner County.
How much does a REAL ID cost?
For a typical driver's license, known as Class D, the cost is $28.
Is there a deadline for getting a REAL ID?
All states are required to comply with the REAL ID Act by May 3, 2023. The state will continue to issue REAL IDs after that date, but if you want to fly on a commercial plane or utilize other federal facilities, you will only be granted access if you have a REAL ID or a valid passport.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
If you don't know if you have a Tennessee-issued REAL ID, look at the right side of your ID. If you see a white star inside a yellow circle, then you have a REAL ID.
Where can I get more information?