With the REAL ID deadline here, many Tennesseans are still navigating how to get theirs—and how to do it without wasting time in long lines or getting turned away due to missing documents. In this fourth post of our “Ready to Fly? Navigating REAL ID and Travel Safety in 2025” series, we’re walking through the process of how to apply for a REAL ID in Tennessee, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid the most common mistakes people make.
Step 1: Gather the Right Documents
To apply for a REAL ID in Tennessee, you must visit a Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk office in person. Before you go, make sure you have the following:
✅ Proof of Identity (one of the following):
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
✅ Proof of Social Security Number (one of the following):
- Original Social Security card
- W-2 or 1099 form with full Social Security number
- Pay stub with full Social Security number
✅ Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency (examples include):
- Utility bill
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy
- Pay stub with address
✅ Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for legal name change
Bring original documents—photocopies or scanned versions are not accepted.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Not all County Clerk offices issue REAL IDs, so it’s important to verify before you go. Full-service Driver Services Centers across Tennessee offer REAL ID issuance, and several County Clerk offices also participate in the program.
Use this official link to find the nearest participating location:
🔗 https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations.html
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment (If Available)
Some locations offer appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If your chosen center offers online appointment scheduling, take advantage of it to reduce wait times.
Appointments are limited, especially as demand surges, but they can save you hours.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit
Before you leave home:
- Double-check that your documents are originals, not copies
- Make sure the names match across documents (especially if your name has changed)
- Bring a payment method for the fee (check tn.gov for current costs)
If you show up without the correct paperwork, you’ll be sent home without a REAL ID—and have to start over.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Bringing copies instead of originals
❌ Only having one proof of address
❌ Forgetting to bring name change documentation
❌ Assuming all County Clerk offices issue REAL IDs
❌ Waiting until your current license is about to expire
A little prep can save you a lot of frustration.
What If You Don’t Need a REAL ID?
If you don’t plan to fly or enter federal facilities, you can keep your standard Tennessee driver’s license for everyday identification and driving. However, if you expect to travel at all this year, having a REAL ID now will save you stress later.
Injured on the Road While Traveling?
If an accident throws your plans off course—whether on the way to the airport or during a road trip—Stillman & Friedland is here to help.
We serve Middle Tennessee drivers and families with experienced legal support and free case consultations.
Call us at 615-244-2111 or contact us online to get started.
Because we care…
Stillman and Friedland
