NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is reminding residents that they have six months until the deadline to get a REAL ID.

The State Department reports that a REAL ID (or other federally issued photo ID, such as a passport) will be required to enter certain federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants, or to board commercial flights in the US starting May 7, 2025.

REAL IDs started being issued as early as July 2019.

“Of Tennessee’s 5.8 million valid credentials, 1.6 million are not currently REAL ID compliant. Tennesseans are encouraged to decide before the implementation date to avoid a potential influx of customers to driver service centers,” the department said.

Here’s what you need to do to get a REAL ID:

To apply for a REAL ID, Tennesseans will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their social security number, and two proofs of state residency.

“If your name has changed, you must also bring a certified legal document to support the name change. All documents must be original or certified. Photocopies will not be accepted. A full list of accepted documents can be found at tnrealid.gov,” DHS said.

REAL ID applications must be made in person. If you have a state-issued driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Service Center or participating county clerk.

“Getting a REAL ID is optional. Regular Tennessee driver’s licenses will continue to be accepted for general identification purposes such as driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, federal courthouses, etc. ,” DHS said.

If you are getting a Tennessee license for the first time or if you need a renewal, the cost of a REAL ID is $28.

“If you obtain a REAL ID outside of the renewal period, there is an additional $8 or $12 duplication fee, depending on the license classification,” DHS explained.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.