Get a REAL ID in Tennessee

Online or in person

No, one office visit · One visit, appointment encouragedFederal law requires REAL ID applications in person. A first REAL ID can't be done online, at a kiosk or by mail. At a Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk. Appointments are available and encouraged, but not offered at every center.

Cost

Renewal or duplicate feeNo separate REAL ID fee. In your renewal period you pay the 8-year renewal fee (Class D license $28, ID 18 and over $12); otherwise a duplicate fee ($8 for a first duplicate). County Clerks add a $4 administrative fee.

You leave with

Paper interim card, card by mail in 10-20 daysYou don't get the card the same day. Driver Services warns the paper credential may not be accepted by TSA.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
     Originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. These documents are required even if you already hold a Tennessee license.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. birth certificate from a state vital statistics office or equivalent (with a raised and/or colored seal)
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
     • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
     • Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94
   • Proof of your full Social Security number
     For a REAL ID you must show a document with your full number; saying it aloud is not enough. It is also checked with the Social Security Administration.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2
     • 1099
     • Payroll check stub
     • Sworn No SSN Affidavit (only if you were never issued a Social Security number; signed in front of a driver license examiner or notary)
   • Proof of Tennessee residency · 2 different documents
     Showing your name and current residential address. "Current" means dated within the last 4 months unless stated otherwise.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Mortgage contract or receipt, including the deed of sale
     • Signed rental lease (only with a signed landlord letter dated within the last 30 days, not handwritten, confirming the lease is current, on letterhead or notarized; the lease must show your name, the address, the terms (such as rent), the dates and both signatures)
     • Current utility bill (landline phone, electric, water, gas or cable)
     • Current bank statement (checks are not accepted)
     • Current employer letter or verification of your address (on company letterhead with an original signature, or notarized)
     • Current paycheck stub, or work ID or badge showing your address (not from the same company as your W-2)
     • IRS W-2 form from the last 12 months (not from the same company as your paycheck stub)
     • Unexpired auto, life or health insurance policy (wallet cards not accepted)
     • Unexpired Tennessee license or ID of your parent, legal guardian or spouse
     • Unexpired Tennessee vehicle registration or title (one, not both)
     • Tennessee voter registration card
     • Receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid within the last 12 months
     • For students living on campus: photo student ID plus documentation from the Dean or Bursar's office
     • Affidavit of Tennessee Residency for Homeless or Shelter Residents (SF-1631) (accepted as the second proof)

2. Pick the one that fits you:

   1. Option 1: Book a Driver Services Center appointment

      Appointments are available and encouraged. In the scheduling system choose Schedule an Appointment and pick the REAL ID or Driver License appointment, whichever it offers; you need a valid email address and phone number. The same system also offers an E-Ticket. Not every Driver Services Center offers appointments. Arrive 15 minutes early: if you are late, the appointment may be cancelled and you are served as a walk-in.

      Schedule an appointment ↗

   2. Option 2: Go to a participating County Clerk

      If you already have a Tennessee license or ID, participating County Clerk offices also take first REAL ID applications, for non-commercial licenses only. Check the office's service list on the locations page; County Clerks add a $4 administrative fee.

      Locations on tn.gov ↗

3. At the office

   Bring original or certified documents. Driver Services accepts cash, check, money order, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover. If you already have a valid license, there is no knowledge or skills test for a REAL ID. Commercial license holders: use the separate Commercial REAL ID document list on tn.gov and have a valid DOT medical on file or with you.

   Driver license fees on tn.gov ↗

4. Wait for your card

   You leave with a paper interim REAL ID credential. The card arrives at your mailing address in 10-20 days. A paper credential may not be accepted by TSA, so apply well before a trip.