I take pen to paper to share some information that is only tangential to the mission of the LWVOR. We all know that you need a picture ID to board an airplane, and a current driver’s license is the ID used, but times are changing.
The Real ID is a different license. The Real ID Act of 2005 set new security standards for a Federal ID. As of October 1, 2020, this form of ID or a valid passport will be required to board a domestic flight or to enter a Federal Building or military base. Because I serve on the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board (ORSSAB) and must show my driver’s license to enter areas in Oak Ridge where clean-up operations are underway, I decided to not wait to apply for the Real ID. On a Friday morning I gathered the five pieces of original documents that are required and drove to Clinton. Oops! The office in Clinton does not issue this ID. I was directed to the Oak Ridge Driver Services Center at 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, which is the building just east of Tractor Supply. I went to a desk where I was asked to present my documents. Luckily, I had five items that were acceptable, and I was given a number and told to wait. There were about a dozen people ahead of me. [Note: Monday and Friday are not good days to go.]
Once I was called in, my documents were copied; my photo was snapped; and I paid for a duplicate TN license. I left with a paper copy of this new ID. About a week later the new driver’s license with a star on it arrived. Job done.
This new ID is issued by TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security. I strongly encourage you to go to their web site to view a detailed list of required documents before you attempt to apply for the Real ID. While I waited on that Friday, I saw numerous people sent away because they brought photocopies or tried to use one document to serve as two proofs of Tennessee residency.
Recent news stories have reported that TSA is concerned that on the October 1, 2020 date many travelers will not be able to board domestic flights. I shared my small adventure to encourage you to be proactive and not wait until the last minute to get your Real ID.