DUANE SHERRILLEditor

In less than a month, your driver’s license may not be an acceptable form of identification for boarding a domestic flight. That is, unless your license is REAL ID compliant.

Beginning May 7, U.S. travelers will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights.

“It’s important to get your REAL ID now, especially if you plan to travel this summer,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The REAL ID deadline has been extended several times in the past, but that likely won’t happen again. So, don’t wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID, or you may encounter a long line at the DMV.”

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in effort to fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud by strengthening the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and ID cards. REAL ID is a driver’s license or other form of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the minimum-security standards set forth by the federal government.

To become REAL ID compliant for the first time, you must go in-person to a state-approved office. Visit https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/real-id.html to find a location near you.

When you go for your REAL ID you will need to bring a legal proof of your full social security number, two proofs of residency and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Citizenship is best confirmed by a birth certificate or valid passport. Residency is best proven by current utility bills, bank statements, paycheck stubs, automobile insurance policy, driver license, vehicle title, property taxes, voter registration card, and school identification for students.