On March 24, 2025, Lawrence County will host REAL ID Day, coinciding with the pressing deadline to obtain a REAL ID, which becomes mandatory starting May 7, 2025. This deadline signifies a dramatic shift in travel and identification regulations in Tennessee and beyond.
As the clock ticks down to the May 7 mandate, Tennessee has seen a "significant increase in volume" of individuals applying for REAL ID cards, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Jason Pack, Communications Director for the department, noted, "Due to the May 7 REAL ID implementation date, we are experiencing a significant increase in volume. The Saturday appointments at select locations are an effort to address the increase in demand across the state."
For many, the REAL ID is crucial for access to domestic flights, federal buildings such as military bases, and essential facilities like nuclear power plants. The state has added Saturday appointment times at 14 Driver Services Centers to help expedite the application process for those who have delayed obtaining their ID.
To secure a REAL ID, applicants must appear in person at a full-service Driver Services Center, even if they hold a standard Tennessee driver’s license. Essential documentation required includes proof of U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, and two forms of residency verification. If an applicant has changed their name due to marriage or other reasons, they must also provide documentation, such as a marriage license.
Adding convenience, Saturday appointments aim to alleviate the pressure on the state’s Driver Services Centers. Meanwhile, officials advise residents to check the center's hours of operation to plan their visit smartly.
Among the driver centers offering these additional Saturday appointments in East Tennessee are:
- Chattanooga and Bonny Oaks Driver Services and Reinstatement Center at 6502 Bonny Oaks Drive
- Johnson City Driver Services Center at 4717 Lake Park Drive
- Knoxville and Strawberry Plains Driver Services Center at 7320 Region Lane
- Morristown County Driver Services Center at 1551 E. Morris Blvd., Suite 2
- Oak Ridge Driver Services Center at 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike
If individuals plan to travel around the May 7 deadline, they are urged to secure their REAL ID as soon as possible, as it typically takes a few weeks to receive the new identification after application.
Officials further encourage individuals to consider alternate counties with less demand for faster service. Other driver centers extending Saturday appointments throughout Tennessee include:
- Middle Tennessee:
- Clarksville Driver Services Center, 220 W. Dunbar Cave Road
- Columbia Driver Services Center, 1701 Hampshire Pike
- Cookeville Driver Services Center, 4600 S. Jefferson Ave.
- Nashville and Hickory Hollow Driver Services and Reinstatement Center, 5216 Hickory Hollow Parkway
- Bartlett Express Services Center, 6340 Summer Ave.
- Jackson Driver Services Center, 100 Benchmark Circle.
- Memphis and East Shelby Drive Driver Services and Reinstatement Center, 3200 E. Shelby Drive
- Oakland Driver Services and Reinstatement Center, 160 Beau Tisdale Drive
- Savannah Driver Services Center, 1016 Pickwick St. (beginning March 29)
As the May 7 deadline approaches, the urgency to obtain a REAL ID will only intensify, and the added Saturday appointments are a strategic solution to streamline the process. Individuals can apply online for appointments through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, although it's not strictly necessary.
If you have plans to travel, now's the time to act. Don't put off applying for your REAL ID any longer.
