What is a Real ID? Here's what you need to know as deadline approaches in Tennessee
- Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID or alternative acceptable identification will be required for domestic flights and entry to certain federal facilities.
- Real ID compliant cards in Tennessee are marked with a star in a gold circle in the top right corner.
- The cost of a Real ID is the same as a standard Tennessee driver's license: $28.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to better reflect how to tell if your ID is Real ID compliant.
Beginning May 7, you will need a Real ID to board domestic flights or enter certain government buildings.
Here’s what you need to know about Real ID and how to get one.
What is Real ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, in accordance with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government set a standard for “the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.” The act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and ID cards that are not Real ID compliant.
Will I need Real ID to board a flight? Can I use a passport?
Anyone 18 years and older will need a Real ID or “another acceptable form of identification” to fly domestically and visit certain federal facilities, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.
You can still use an enhanced driver’s license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a permanent resident card. You can find a full list of accepted documents on the TSA website.
How do I know if I have a Real ID?
In Tennessee, Real ID is identified by a gold or black star in a circle in the top right corner of your license. If you do not have the star on your ID, you do not have a Real ID and you’ll have to get a new one.
How much does a Real ID cost?
The fee for Real ID is $28, the same as a standard Tennessee driver’s license.
What can I still do with a regular ID?
You can still use your non-Real ID license to vote, buy alcohol or tobacco, apply for federal benefits and access federal courts.
What do I need to bring to get a Real ID?
In order to get a Real ID, you’ll need to bring four documents.
You’ll need one document showing proof you are a U.S. citizen. These documents include:
- A birth certificate
- A valid, unexpired passport or passport card
- U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) or equivalent document, like a foreign birth certificate with listed parents who are U.S. citizens
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by DHS or INS (I-551)
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS (I-766 or I-688B)
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form
- Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (N-550, N-570, or N-578)
- Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS (N-560 or N-570, or N-578) N-561)
If there has been a name change from the proof of citizenship provided when you are getting your Real ID, you may have to show additional documents. Those documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
You’ll also need proof of your Social Security number with one of the following documents:
- W-2
- 1099
- Social Security Card
- Payroll check stub
Finally, you must show two documents proving you are a Tennessee resident. At least one of these documents must be dated within the last four months when you are getting your Real ID. Here are the documents you can use:
- A home utility bill
- A current Tennessee vehicle registration certificate or title. You cannot use both
- A current Tennessee voter registration card
- An Internal Revenue Service tax return
- A bank statement
- A payroll check stub
- Current rental or mortgage contract or receipt, including deed of sale for property. Handwritten contracts and agreements must be notarized for them to be recognized
- A current homeowner or renter insurance policy
- A current vehicle, life or health insurance policy
- A receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid within the previous year
- Installment loans, such as vehicle, student or bank loans
- Verification from your current employer of your residential address, or a letter from your current employer so long as it is on company letterhead with an original signature. If the employer does not have letterhead, the letter must be notarized.
- A current driver's license, ID or handgun carry permit issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of the applicant
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.