Why does my license say not for federal identification tn

Thanks in part to a looming federal mandate, Tennesseans are flocking to driver's license centers to obtain a REAL ID. The influx of people plus technology problems have generated long lines, leading many to become frustrated. 

Further causing frustration is the fact that to get a REAL ID, residents must come with more documents than they otherwise would need to get a Tennessee driver's license. 

The following guide will help answer questions about the REAL ID and how to get one. 

What is REAL ID?

In 2005, Congress passed what is called the REAL ID Act, which was a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The law created a series of minimum security standards for states to implement and prohibited federal agencies from accepting IDs that do not meet such standards. 

The legislation requires that anyone who wants to use federal facilities, such as a military base or nuclear power plant, or fly on a commercial airplane have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative such as a U.S. passport. 

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Do you have to get a REAL ID?

If you plan on using an airport or visiting a military base, you might want to consider it. You will, however, be able to use a passport to fly on commercial flights, provided the passport is valid.

In Tennessee, you will still be able use a regular driver's license for any number of things, including driving, voting and purchasing alcohol. The REAL ID requirement is only for access to federal facilities. 

How can you get a REAL ID?

Unlike renewing or purchasing a replacement driver’s license, which can be done at kiosks or online, you must go to a facility with required documents in order to get a REAL ID.

There are three types of documents you will need: proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number and proof of Tennessee residence.

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Each of the three aforementioned categories has specific documents you can use.

To prove your citizenship or legal presence, you must produce one of the following documents: 

• birth certificate;
• an unexpired U.S. passport;
• a U.S certificate or consular report of birth abroad;
• a valid and unexpired permanent resident card provided by DHS or INS;
• an unexpired employment authorization document provided by DHS;
• an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form;
• a certificate of naturalization issued by DHS; or
• a certificate of citizenship issued by DHS

If you have changed your name, including if you were married or divorced, then you will also need to bring in additional documents, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or a court order. 

To prove your Social Security number, you must produce one of the following documents: 

• an original Social Security card;
• a W-2 form issued within the last year;
• a 1099 issued within the last year; or
• a payroll check stub.

To prove your Tennessee residency, you must produce two of the following documents: 

• a home utility bill issued in the last four months; 
• a current Tennessee vehicle registration or certificate of title;
• a current Tennessee voter registration card;
• an IRS tax return, issued within the last year;
• a bank statement, issued within the last four months;
• a payroll check stub, issued within the last four months;
• a current mortgage or rental contract;
• a current homeowner or renter insurance policy;
• a current automobile, life or health insurance policy;
• a receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid in the last year;
• installment loans, including for automobiles, student loans or bank loans;
• current employer verification of residence documents;
• a current Tennessee driver's license; or
• a current Tennessee handgun carry permit. 

All of these documents must be originals or certified, and photocopies will not be accepted. 

Where can you get a REAL ID?

It depends.

If you’re already a resident with a Tennessee-issued driver’s license, then you can go to any state-run facility that provides driver’s license services, including full service or express centers, or participating county clerks offices.

If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you will need to go to a full-service driver’s license facility.  

Starting in December, the state is also planning on debuting mobile driver's license facilities that will be able to issue REAL IDs. Locations for the mobile units have yet to be announced. 

How much does a REAL ID cost?

For a typical driver's license, known as Class D, $28. 

If you go to a participating county clerk's office to obtain your Class D REAL ID, they will charge an additional $4 convenience fee. 

Is there a deadline for getting a REAL ID? 

All states are required to comply with the REAL ID Act by Oct. 1, 2020. The state will continue to issue REAL IDs after that date, but if you want to fly on a commercial plane or utilize other federal facilities, you will only be granted access if you have a REAL ID or a valid passport. 

How do I know if I have a REAL ID? 

If you don't know if you have a Tennessee-issued REAL ID, look at the right side of your ID. If you see a white star inside a yellow circle, then you have a REAL ID. 

What if I have more questions?

Visit the state of Tennessee's website for more information about REAL IDs. You can find it at tn.gov/tnrealid

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Reach Joel Ebert at  or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.

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