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. For complete information go to
<https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/real-id.html;.

About REAL ID

In 2024, the State of Tennessee launched a new credential design. New REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a black circle with a star in the top right corner. Non-REAL ID driver licenses and identification credentials display the phrase, “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES” on the front of the credential. Legacy REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a gold circle with a star in the top right corner of the license. Legacy REAL ID credentials are valid until their expiration date.

What do you need a REAL ID to do?

Tennesseans are not required to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or Identification credential. You do NOT need a REAL ID to drive, vote, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits.

Real ID Required Documents

These documents are required if you already have a Tennessee Driver License or ID and are applying for a REAL ID compliant credential for the first time or if you are a new Tennessee resident and were previously issued a REAL ID in a different state.

NOTE: If your name has changed from what is listed on any of the required documents, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc.

NOTE: All documents must be originals or certified. No photocopies will be accepted.

You will need to present the following documents when applying for a REAL ID:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence

https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlcitizenship.html

2. Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Permanent Residency

NOTE:All documents are subject to further verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your license.

NOTE: All items must be original documents. No photocopies will be accepted.

Acceptable Documents for U.S. Citizenship

Official Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Swain’s Island, Guam)

Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, will NOT be recognized as proof of Lawful U.S. Citizenship.

The government of Puerto Rico has provided information for citizens to apply for new birth certificates

U.S. Government-issued Certified Birth Certificate

U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)

Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240)

Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport

Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)

Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)

U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179)

Acceptable Documents for Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)

Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Government indicating that the holder has been “Processed for I-551”

Permanent resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)

Arrival Departure Form I-94 with “Temporary I-551” stamp and holder’s photograph affixed

Travel Document issued to Permanent Residents (I-327)

Travel Document issued to Refugees (I-571)

Form I-94 stamped with one of the following statuses: Asylee, Parolee or Parole, Refugee, Asylum, HP-humanitarian parolee or PIP-public interest parolee

3. Proof of your full Social Security Number

4. Two proofs of Tennessee Residency

https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/tnresidency.html;

The documents you bring must show your name and the current residential address you used on your application or the name of your spouse, parent or legal guardian. If the document has the name of a spouse, parent or legal guardian and not the applicant, proof of relationship will be required i.e., a birth or marriage certificate. If you bring a document that contains your name but does not contain your residential address, that document will NOT be accepted.

The documents you present may NOT be from the same source. For example, a water bill and gas bill from the same utility company would be considered the same source. A Tennessee vehicle registration and certificate of title would also be the same source.

All documents are required to be current, issued within the past four (4) months. Internal Revenue Service documents must be from the current tax year.

NOTE: All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your license.

NOTE:: All items must be original documents. No photocopies will be accepted.

5. To Prove Tennessee Residency, Applicants Must Provide the Following:

Two (2) Documents from List A, or One (1) Document from List A and One (1) Document from List B

List A - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

Current Utility Bill – This includes landline telephone, electric, water, gas, and cable bills.

Current Bank Statement - Internet bank statements are acceptable only if taken to the local bank, stamped and dated by teller as an active account. Checks and checkbook information are NOT acceptable.

Current Rental/Mortgage Contract or Receipt including the Deed of Sale for property.

Current employer verification of residence address or letter from employer as long as it is on company letterhead with an original signature. If employer does not have letterhead, then the signature of the employer must be notarized.

Current Paycheck/Check Stub, Work ID or Badge – residential address must be included on the badge or document.

Current Automobile, Life or Health Insurance Policy - Wallet Cards will NOT be accepted.

Current Driver License/ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of applicant.

Current Tennessee Motor Vehicle Registration or Title (may use one, not both)

Current Tennessee Voter Registration Card

Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form within last 12 months.

Receipt for Personal Property or Real Estate Taxes paid within last 12 months.

In case of a student enrolled in a public or private school in Tennessee, the student may provide a photo student ID and acceptable documentation from the Dean or Bursar’s Office that the student lives on campus.

List B - Acceptable Proofs of Residency

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service

Form I-94 issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service

I-766 or I-551 correspondence issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. The applicant must bring the form that shows the applicant’s home address. The I-766 or I-551card will not be accepted without the form showing their home address.

Acceptable Proof of Residency for Homeless or Shelter Residents

This affidavit will be accepted as the secondary proof of residency document evidencing your principal residence address in Tennessee. The affidavit is available here <https://www.tn.gov/content/dam...;