The REAL ID Law is Effective May 7

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 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 or another approved Federally-issued ID, such as a passport, to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants or board commercial flights within the United States.

A REAL ID will cost the same as current a Tennessee driver 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 8-year credential. 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.

Common Myths About REAL ID:

Myth: Everyone must get a REAL ID.
Fact: A REAL ID is optional unless you plan to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities after May 7th.

Myth: You must apply by May 7th.
Fact: You can apply for a REAL ID at any time — before or after May 7th.

Myth: You cannot travel without a REAL ID after May 7th.
Fact: You can still use a valid U.S. passport or other federally approved identification to fly.

Myth: You must have the new card design to have a REAL ID.
Fact: Both the new black-star and older gold-star REAL IDs are valid until their expiration dates.

Myth: Getting a REAL ID is complicated or expensive.
Fact: The cost for a REAL ID is the same as a standard driver license if you are renewing — $28.00. If you obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, a small duplication fee applies ($8 or $12, depending on license class). Pre-approving your documents online can save time during your visit.

“Our teams across the state are hearing a lot of questions and seeing a lot of people who aren’t sure if they even need a REAL ID,” said Assistant Commissioner Russell Shoup, who oversees Driver Services. “We want Tennesseans to know that if you don’t plan to fly or visit certain federal buildings, your current license is still perfectly valid. We’re here to help answer questions and make this process as smooth as possible.”

Helpful Tips:

If you need a REAL ID, consider visiting a neighboring Driver Services Center that may have shorter wait times.

Pre-approve your required documents at tnrealid.gov before your visit to speed up processing and avoid multiple trips.

For reliable information and to start the pre-approval process, visit tnrealid.gov.