Skip to Content

Real ID Frequently Asked Questions

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a nationwide effort intended to prevent terrorism, reduce fraud, and improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents that State governments issue.
The 9/11 Commission recommended that the U.S. improve its system for issuing secure identification documents. Congress responded to this key recommendation by passing the Real ID Act.

What is a REAL ID license needed for?

The REAL ID Act requires that a REAL ID driver’s license be used for “official purposes,” as defined by the Department of Homeland Security.  This includes purposes such as accessing a Federal facility; boarding a commercial airplane; and entering nuclear power plants.

When does Tennessee have to start issuing REAL IDs?

Tennessee has applied for and been granted an extension by the Department of Homeland Security and is not required to begin issuing REAL ID licenses by the set May 11, 2008 deadline.
This means holders of a valid Tennessee driver license or photo-only identification license may use it to board a plane or other official federal purposes after May 11, 2008.

States that have been granted an extension will be required to issue compliant licenses and identification cards no later than January 1, 2010.  
You can still present another form of acceptable identification such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or government identification badge.

How is a REAL ID different from my current driver license?

REAL ID compliant licenses and ID cards must meet minimum standards which include

  • information and security features that must be incorporated into each card
  • proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status of an applicant
  • verification of the source documents provided by an applicant
  • security standards for the offices that issue licenses and identification cards

Is this a National ID card?

No. The proposed regulations establish common standards for States to issue licenses. The Federal Government is not issuing the licenses, is not collecting information about license holders, and is not requiring States to transmit license holder information to the Federal Government that the Government does not already have (such as a Social Security Number). Most States already routinely collect the information required by the Act and the proposed regulations.

Who will have access to the information TDOS will be required to collect?

As they do now, authorized officials at TDOS will have access to license holders’ records. The proposed rule requires States to include a comprehensive security plan for safeguarding information collected, stored, or disseminated for purposes of complying with the REAL ID Act.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Real ID page.