REAL ID

The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. These standards provide an additional level of security to protect your identity. It also prohibits Federal agencies from accepting driver licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards. Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID license or passport to enter certain Federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants or board commercial flights within the United States.

About REAL ID

REAL ID CREDENTIAL

REGULAR_LICENSE

REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a black circle with a star in the right corner of the license to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. 

 

STANDARD ID CREDENTIAL

TN_D200_PR_Adult_DL_working

Non-REAL ID driver licenses and identification credentials display the phrase, "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES" on the front of the credential. 

Tennesseans are not required to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or Identification credential. You do NOT need a REAL ID to:

  • Drive
  • Vote
  • Purchase alcohol or cigarettes
  • Access hospitals
  • Visit the post office
  • Access federal courts
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits
REALID_chart

Get REAL ID

Federal law requires REAL ID applications to be made in person. If you have a Tennessee Driver License or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerks. If you do not have a Tennessee Driver License or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a full-service Driver Services Center.

Required Documents

Before visiting any of these locations to apply for a REAL ID, please review the required documents you will need to bring with you.

These documents are required if you already have a Tennessee Driver License or ID and are applying for a REAL ID compliant credential for the first time or if you are a new Tennessee resident and were previously issued a REAL ID in a different state.

You will need to present the following documents when applying for a REAL ID:

Note: You should also be prepared to provide documentation of any name changes that may have occurred. This may require presentation of multiple documents.

Note: All documents must be originals or certified. No photocopies will be accepted.

If you have a Tennessee Commercial Driver License, you will need to present the following documents when applying for a REAL ID:

  • Proof to establish citizenship or legal presence:
    • Official birth certificate issued by a State Office or Vital Statistic or equivalent with a raised seal and/or color seal
    • U.S. Certificate of Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350, FS-240 or FS-545)
    • Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
    • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578)
    • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by DHS or INS (I-551)
    • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form
    • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B)
  • Proof of your FULL Social Security Number:
    • Social Security Card
    • Payroll check stub
    • W-2 form for current tax year or dated within last twelve (12) months 
    • 1099 form for current tax year or dated within last twelve (12) months 
  • TWO proofs of residence:
    • Current utility bill including telephone, electric, water, gas, cable, etc.
    • Current Tennessee vehicle registration or certificate of title showing Tennessee address (may use one, not both)
    • Mortgage papers including property deed or mortgage payment coupon or book
    • Copy of Lease Agreement or contract with notarized signatures OR accompanied by signed realty agency letterhead confirming lease validity
    • Voter registration card (application for voter registration not accepted)
    • Military LES papers listing Tennessee as home of record (this is ONLY document that won't have the address)

Note: You should also be prepared to provide documentation of any name changes that may have occurred. This may require presentation of multiple documents.

Note: All documents must be originals or certified. No photocopies will be accepted.

Note: All CDL License holders are required to have a valid DOT Medical on file with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security or in their possession at the time of visiting the Driver Services Center.

Note: These documents will be required even if you are already a Tennessee license holder and are applying for a REAL ID for the first time or if you are a new Tennessee resident and were previously issued a REAL ID in a different state.  

Get your REAL ID required documents Pre-Approved

By having your REAL ID required documents pre-approved, you will know that you are bringing the correct documents when you visit a Driver Services Center. Please allow up to five (5) business days for your documents to be pre-approved.

Make an Appointment to get your REAL ID

Save time at the Driver Services Center by scheduling an appointment to get your REAL ID. With an appointment, you will be served on a specific day and time. To make a REAL ID appointment, click the button below and select Schedule an Appointment and then Driver License Appointment.

County Clerks issuing REAL IDs

Note: County Clerks can only issuing REAL IDs to current Tennessee Driver License and ID holders. 

Note: County Clerk Offices may elect to serve only residents in their county. 

Note: County Clerk service hours and operations may vary. Before visiting, please check with the provider location for their current status. 

Bradley County Clerk 
155 N Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37311
Tuesday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 728-7226

Campbell County Clerk 
570 Main St. A-21, Jacksboro, TN 37757
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 562-4985
Fax: (423) 566-3852

Cannon County Clerk
200 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central
DL Issuance Phone: (615) 964-0887

Cheatham County Clerk 
354 Frey Street, Suite F, Ashland City, TN 37015
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central
Phone: (615) 792-5179
Fax: (615) 792-2094

Chester County Clerk 
133 East Main Street, Henderson, TN 38340
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central
Phone: (731) 989-2233
Fax: (731) 989-9602

Claiborne County Clerk
1740 Main Street, Tazewell, TN 37879
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
(Closed between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. for lunch)
Phone: (423) 626-2200
Fax: (423) 626-1661

Clay County Clerk 
145 Cordell Hull Drive, Celina, TN 38551
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Central
Phone: (931) 243-2249
Fax: (931) 243-3231

Cocke County Clerk 
111 Court Avenue, Room 101, Newport, TN 37821
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Central
Phone: (423) 623-6176
Fax: (423) 623-6178

Giles County Clerk 
223 West Madison Street Room 204, Pulaski, TN 38478
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Phone: (931) 363-1509
Fax: (931) 424-4795

Grainger County Clerk
8095 Rutledge Pike #103, Rutledge, TN 37861
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern
Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 828-3511
Fax: (865) 828-3203

Greene County Clerk 
204 N Cutler St. Suite 200, Greeneville, TN 37745
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 798-1708
Fax: (423) 798-1822

Grundy County Clerk 
68 Cumberland Street, Altamont, TN 37301
Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central
Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Phone: (931) 692-3622
Fax: (931) 692-3659

Hamblen County Clerk 
2514 North Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN 37814
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 318-1536
Fax: (423) 318-1545

Hamilton County Clerk 
Courthouse Room 201, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 209-6500
Fax: (423) 209-6501

Hancock County Clerk
418 Harrison Street, Suite 98, Sneedville, TN 37869
Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Eastern
(Closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m.)
Phone: (423) 733-2519
Fax: (423) 733-4509

Hawkins County Clerk 
110 East Main Street, #204, Rogersville, TN 37857
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: (423) 272-7002
Fax: (423) 272-5801

Haywood County Clerk
1 North Washington Street, Brownsville, TN 38012
Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Phone: (731) 772-2362
Fax: (731) 772-1213

Henderson County Clerk 
17 Monroe Avenue, Suite 2, Lexington, TN 38351
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Phone: (731) 968-2856
Fax: (731) 968-6644

Jefferson County Clerk 
214 W. Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725-0710
P.O. Box 710, Dandridge, TN 37725-0710
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 397-2935
Fax: (865) 397-3839

Johnson County Clerk
222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 727-9633
Fax: (423) 727-7047

Knox County Clerk Cedar Bluff Office
1028 Old Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 37923
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 215-8500

Knox County Clerk Downtown Office 
300 W. Main Street, Room 219, Knoxville, TN 37902
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 215-2695

Knox County Clerk East Town Office 
4734 Centerline Drive, Knoxville, TN 37917 (Across from East Town Mall)
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 215-2385

Knox County Clerk Halls Office 
Crossroads Center, 7326 Norris Freeway, Knoxville, TN 37918
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 922-5214

Lake County Clerk 
116 S. Court Street, Tiptonville, TN 38079
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central
Phone: (731) 253-7582
Fax: (731) 253-6815

Lawrence County/Lawrenceburg Municipal Complex 
25 Public Square, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Phone: (931) 762-4459 Ext. 136

Lewis County Clerk 
110 N. Park, Room 105, Hohenwald, TN 38462
Contact this office for their service hours.
Phone: (931) 796-2200

Monroe County Clerk 
103 College Street, Suite 1, Madisonville, TN 37354
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Wednesday, Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Phone: (423) 442-2220
Fax: (423) 442-9542

Morgan County Clerk 
415 N. Kingston Street, Wartburg, TN 37887
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 346-3480
Fax: (423) 346-4161

Perry County Clerk 
121 E Main St., Linden, TN 37096
Contact this office for their service hours. 
Phone: (931) 589-2219

Roane County Clerk
200 E Race Street Suite 2, Kingston, TN
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Phone: 865-376-5556
Fax: 865-717-4121

Sequatchie County Clerk 
22 Cherry Street, Dunlap, TN 37327
P.O. Box 248, Dunlap, TN 37327
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 949-2522
Fax: (423) 949-6316

Shelby County Clerk 
150 Washington Avenue, Suite 103, Memphis, TN 38103
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Central
Phone: (901) 222-3000
Fax: (901) 222-3038

Sullivan County Clerk 
3258 Highway 126, Suite 101, Blountville, TN 37617
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 323-6428
Fax: (423) 279-2725

Unicoi County Clerk 
100 Main Street, Suite 100, Erwin TN 37650
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern
Phone: (423) 743-3381
Fax: (423) 743-5430

Union County Clerk 
825 Main Street, Maynardville , TN 37807
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern
Phone: (865) 992-8043
Fax: (865) 992-4992

Wayne County Clerk 
100 Court Circle, Suite 200, Waynesboro TN 38485
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: (931) 722-5544
Fax: (931) 722-6410

Wilson County Clerk* 
129 South College St., Lebanon, TN 37087
Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central
*By appointment only. Click here to make an appointment.
Phone: (615) 443-2627
Fax: (615) 443-2628