The office of the clerk’s courthouse has doubled the amount of equipment required to issue the REAL ID driver’s license, says County Clerk Bill Knowles. The Tennessee Department of Safety installed the equipment this month.
Sen. Todd Gardenhire urged installation of the extra equipment while speaking with a driver’s license legislative committee on which he serves.
Since Aug. 7, the Clerk’s Courthouse has issued more than 3,700 REAL ID licenses.
Beginning Oct. 1, all persons 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID license or valid unexpired passport to board federally regulated commercial aircraft and access most federal buildings and nuclear facilities.
Motorists not needing clearance for these reasons are not required to upgrade their driver’s license or identification card with the REAL ID designation. These motorists may choose to continue maintaining a regular state driver’s license.
Non-compliant driver’s license and identification cards issued will display the phrase “Not for federal identification.”
A REAL ID license is not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or receive federal benefits.
The state and federal application process for obtaining a REAL ID requires specific documents and information. Applicants must present an original birth certificate or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport along with an original Social Security card and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
Individuals who lack an original Social Security card may use an IRS tax return or a 1099 dated within last 12 months.
Applicants can request the REAL ID designation within or outside of their current license expiration date.
Individuals may establish residency with a driver’s license with a current address, a voter’s registration card, a residential utility bill issued within the last four months, or a current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Additional documentation might be needed. For example, an original marriage certificate or certified divorce decree might be required if the applicant’s name on their license ID differs from the name on their birth certificate or U.S. passport. Only originals or certified documents are acceptable.
Individuals born in Tennessee who do not have access to an original birth certificate may apply for a duplicate at the Hamilton County Vital Records Department (921 East Third St.). Birth certificate information may be obtained by calling 423 209-8025.
The Clerk’s Courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and is located at 625 Georgia Ave. Transactions require cash, Mastercard, American Express, Visa or Discover.
Source: Clerk’s Courthouse