Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee

1. What is the Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License status in Tennessee?


The State of Tennessee is a compliant state for the Real ID Act, meaning that Tennessee residents can use their existing driver’s licenses and ID cards to access federal facilities, board domestic flights, and enter nuclear power plants. Tennessee also offers an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) as an alternative to a standard driver’s license. This EDL includes extra security features and can be used for certain purposes that require proof of identity, such as entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

2. Is Tennessee compliant with the Real ID Act?


Yes, Tennessee is compliant with the Real ID Act.

3. Does Tennessee offer a Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License program?


Yes, Tennessee offers a Real ID and an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) program. The Real ID is available through the state’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security. The EDL is available through the Department of Revenue’s Driver Services Division. Both programs offer enhanced security features and provide added convenience when using a driver’s license as a form of identification.

4. Is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?


No, a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License is not required to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee. However, you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Tennessee residency.

5. What documentation is required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


In order to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee, you will need to provide proof of identity (such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or tax document), and proof of any legal name changes (such as a marriage license or court document). You will also need to provide your current driver’s license and pay the applicable fees.

6. What are the fees associated with obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


The fees associated with obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee are the same as those for a regular driver’s license: $25 for a four-year license, $21 for a two-year license, or $12 for a one-year license. There is also a $4 issuance fee.

7. How long is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License valid for in Tennessee?


In Tennessee, a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License is valid for eight years.

8. Are there any special restrictions for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


Yes. In order to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee, applicants must provide one proof of identity, such as a valid United States passport or certified birth certificate; one proof of Social Security Number; two proofs of Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub; and proof of any legal name change, if applicable. In addition, applicants must pass both vision and knowledge tests.

9. Does Tennessee accept Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states?


Yes, Tennessee accepts Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states.

10. Can a person with a temporary visa obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


No, Tennessee does not issue Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses to individuals with temporary visas.

11. Can a person use their Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License as identification for domestic air travel in Tennessee?


Yes, a person can use their Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License as identification for domestic air travel in Tennessee.

12. Are there any special requirements for renewing a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


Yes, to renew a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee, you must provide the following documents:

• Proof of identity and lawful status in the United States
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Tennessee residency
• Proof of any legal name change
• Payment for renewal fee

13. How can I apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


To apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee, you must visit your local Driver Services Center and bring the following documents: proof of identity (original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport) proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or other official document with your full name and full Social Security Number) two proofs of Tennessee residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.) proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card) and payment for the applicable fees.

14. Does Tennessee have any additional requirements for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License?


Yes, Tennessee has additional requirements for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License. Applicants must present two forms of proof of Tennessee residency, such as a current utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement; a valid form of Social Security; and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence.

15. Can I use my Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from Tennessee?


Yes, you can use your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from Tennessee. These documents meet all the requirements for international air travel, including the REAL ID Act of 2005 and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

16. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


Yes, there is an age limit for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for either of these forms of identification.

17. Is a vision test required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


Yes, a vision test is required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee.

18. Is there a waiting period to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


No, there is no waiting period to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee.

19. What forms of payment are accepted when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee?


In Tennessee, accepted forms of payment when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License include cash, check, money order, debit/credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover).

20. Are there any special considerations when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee for military personnel and veterans?


Yes. When applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Tennessee, military personnel and veterans may be required to provide additional evidence of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a valid passport, military ID, birth certificate, etc. Additionally, if stationed outside of Tennessee, a military member may be able to submit a completed application and supporting documents by mail or electronically in order to obtain the desired credential.