Identification License

There are two types of Identification (ID Only) Licenses which may be obtained for identification purposes only: Expiring Identification License and Permanent Identification License.

No testing is required to receive an ID Only License.

ID Only Licenses are not valid for the operation of a vehicle.

ID Only License applicants must meet the same standards for proof of identity, legal presence and residency as required for any driver license. If an applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete a portion of the Minor/Teen-age Affidavit and Cancellation Form.

Tennessee families with children, including infants, may obtain ID Only Licenses for their children. Children must meet all documentation requirements.
 

Expiring Identification License

An Expiring Identification License may be issued to any person not currently holding a valid driver license who presents positive proof of identification and all other requirements needed to obtain a driver license.

  • Expiring Identification Licenses do not expire for Tennessee residents who are 65 or older.
  • Any applicant who does not have a Social Security Number (SSN) shall complete an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, affirming that the applicant has never been issued a SSN, and must provide one of the following:

a) An original or certified birth certificate issued by Tennessee or another state, possession, territory or commonwealth of the USA.

b) Original documentation issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service acceptable to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
 

Permanent Identification License

A Permanent Identification License is available for any Tennessee resident who is intellectually or physically disabled. In addition to presenting a positive proof of identity, applicants must submit a certified statement from a licensed doctor stating they are unable to operate a vehicle. Those who qualify for this ID may receive it free of charge. Permanent Identification Licenses do not expire.

NOTE: Temporary IDs (XID) will expire at the end of the individual’s authorized stay.
 

What documents will you need to bring to apply for an ID Only License?

Have you had a name change?

Please provide all name change documentation that connects to the original name listed on your proof of
identity, citizenship, or legal presence.

DSD_Name_Change_Process
* During the application process Jane would need to provide certificates for: Birth, 1st Marriage, Divorce, and 2nd Marriage. 
 
List of acceptable legal name change documents: 
  • Marriage Certificate 
  • Divorce decree
  • Court Order

Acceptable Documents for U.S. Citizenship

  • Official Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Swain's Island, Guam) 
  • U.S. Government-issued Certified Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
  • Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)
  • U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179)

Acceptable Documents for Lawful Permanent Resident Status

  • Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)
  • Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Government indicating that the holder has been "Processed for I-551"
  • Permanent resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)
  • Arrival Departure Form I-94 with “Temporary I-551” stamp and holder’s photograph affixed
  • Travel Document issued to Permanent Residents (I-327)
  • Travel Document issued to Refugees (I-571)
  • Form I-94 stamped  with one of the following statuses:  Asylee, Parolee or Parole, Refugee, Asylum, HP-humanitarian parolee or PIP-public interest parolee

Acceptable Documents for Temporary Legal Presence

  • Conditional Resident Alien Card (I-551)
  • Valid Foreign Passport with Valid Visa and I-94 attached
    • Note: The passport must have an English translation
  • Valid Foreign Passport with I-94W attached
    • Holders of F1, F2, M1, or M2 status should also present a valid SEVIS I-20
    • Holders of J1 or J2 status should also present a valid DS-2019
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

Where can I get an ID only License? 

Find a location on our locations page.