Attention Nashville Residents: Get Your REAL ID Before the Deadline!

News Summary

Nashville residents are urged to obtain their REAL ID before the May 7 deadline to board flights or access federal buildings. With a surge in requests at the Tennessee State Library for essential records needed for applications, residents should prepare their documentation carefully. The Tennessee Department of Safety is also increasing appointment slots to accommodate the influx. Apply in person and remember the cost is $28. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Attention Nashville Residents: Get Your REAL ID Before the Deadline!

Hey there, Nashville! If you haven’t already heard, there’s a vital deadline creeping up on us, and the clock is ticking! Starting on May 7, if you’re hoping to board any commercial flights or visit certain federal buildings, military bases, or nuclear power plants, you’ll need to have a REAL ID or a federally issued ID, such as a passport. This means that it’s time to get your ducks in a row and maybe roll up to the Tennessee State Library for some help!

Surge of Requests for Records

The Tennessee State Library is buzzing like a beehive these days as they’re experiencing a significant wave of requests for public records. Why, you ask? Well, with the REAL ID deadline approaching, residents are rolling in to obtain the necessary documentation. If you’re in need of certified marriage documents that date back before 1974, the Library & Archives can definitely help you out. They’re here to assist you in obtaining those critical records you might need for your REAL ID application.

Need Help? They’ve Got You Covered!

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it! If you’re in need of any assistance regarding historical records, you can visit the Library’s website or simply shoot them an email at ask@tsla.libanswers.com. However, be warned that due to the influx of requests, processing times may be longer than usual, so it’s wise to plan accordingly.

More Appointment Slots Available

1,432 daily REAL ID appointment slots statewide. Isn’t that great news? You might be one of the 1.2 million Tennesseans who haven’t yet made a decision on getting your REAL ID. And just to give you an idea of how many people have already jumped on this train, over 2.7 million Tennesseans have already secured REAL ID-compliant credentials. That’s quite a crowd!

Important Documents You’ll Need

So, what’s the scoop on applying for a REAL ID? First off, make sure to gather the necessary documentation! To apply, you’ll need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency, including original documents. If you’ve had a name change, don’t forget your certified legal documents to back that up.

Keep in Mind the Application Process

It’s worth noting that REAL ID applications must be done in person, and you can either head to your local Driver Services Center or a participating County Clerk office. A regular driver’s license is still more than valid for everyday identification needs like driving and voting, but if you want to fly or access restricted federal areas, you’re going to need that REAL ID.

Cost and Additional Tips

Curious about the cost? Securing a REAL ID will set you back $28, with extra fees if you are grabbing it outside the renewal period. It’s a good idea to take a few moments to verify your documents online for pre-approval to avoid any unnecessary hiccups down the road.

Finally, to save yourself a bit of hassle and long lines, consider scheduling an appointment online at the Driver Services Centers. It will save you time and make the whole experience smoother. Also, remember that after the REAL ID rollout, you can still use other federally issued IDs like passports for domestic flights.

A Quick Reminder

This last-minute rush for REAL ID applications comes after several delays to the federal deadline, which have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. So, Nashville, gear up and ensure you get your proper ID before it’s too late!

Happy document hunting, folks! Make sure you tick all the boxes and get your REAL ID sorted by the deadline!

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Additional Resources

• News Channel 9
• Wikipedia: REAL ID Act
• WSMV
• Google Search: REAL ID Tennessee
• Nashville Banner
• Google Scholar: REAL ID Tennessee
• Tennessean
• Encyclopedia Britannica: REAL ID
• Fox 17
• Google News: REAL ID Tennessee