NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than three million Tennesseans had obtained a REAL ID by mid-May 2025, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, just days after federal enforcement of the long-delayed identification requirement officially began.

By May 12, 2025 — five days after the May 7 enforcement date—state officials reported that slightly more than 3 million of Tennessee’s 5.8 million licensed drivers had secured a REAL ID–compliant driver license or identification card. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, established minimum security standards for state-issued identification to improve domestic travel safety and regulate access to federal buildings and military installations.

Although the law was enacted two decades ago and originally scheduled for enforcement in 2008, implementation was repeatedly delayed nationwide. Factors included privacy concerns raised by some states, the cost of upgrading systems and staffing driver service centers, and later the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After pandemic-related delays ended, federal officials set May 7, 2025, as the final, non-negotiable enforcement date.

Tennessee did not begin issuing REAL IDs until July 1, 2019 - - 11 years after the original federal deadline. Within months, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted additional extensions as in-person services were limited. The enforcement date was first moved to 2023 and later to 2025, giving states and residents additional time to comply.

As of early 2026, the state has not released updated figures showing how many Tennesseans now hold a REAL ID. The most recent data indicates that while more than half of licensed drivers have obtained the compliant credential, approximately 1.8 million residents opted for a standard driver license instead. Another estimated one million drivers remain undecided about whether they will obtain a REAL ID when their current license expires. These figures account for all Tennessee-issued licenses but do not include new residents who still hold licenses from other states.

Nationally, compliance rates vary widely. Nebraska leads the nation with a reported 99.5 percent compliance rate among eligible drivers, followed by Texas at 98 percent and Mississippi at 97 percent. Hawaii and Utah each report compliance rates of 96 percent. At the lower end, New Jersey reports about 17 percent compliance, Pennsylvania 26 percent, Washington and Maine 27 percent, and Illinois approximately 35 percent.

Drivers who recently applied for a REAL ID in Tennessee may have noticed they did not leave a Driver Services Center with the physical credential. Instead, applicants receive a temporary paper credential while the permanent card is mailed. State officials caution that paper credentials may not be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport checkpoints. Hard-copy REAL IDs typically arrive within 10 to 20 days, though some residents report wait times of up to 45 to 50 days.

Since May 7, 2025, a standard Tennessee driver license or ID is no longer sufficient to board a domestic commercial flight or enter certain federal facilities. However, residents who do not have a REAL ID may still use a valid U.S. passport for air travel. Minors are also eligible to obtain REAL ID–compliant licenses or identification cards under the same process as adults.

Residents who choose not to obtain a REAL ID may continue using a standard Class D driver license or ID, which is clearly marked “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES.” The credential remains valid for general identification and driving, but it cannot be used for domestic flights or access to restricted federal facilities.

State officials also emphasize that there is no national REAL ID database. REAL ID information is securely stored by the issuing state as part of the individual’s driving record.

Additional information, including documentation requirements and appointment scheduling, is available through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Driver Services website (Click Here). You can also set an appointment at your nearest Drivers License Testing Station online (HERE).