NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Traveling is at the top of many Tennesseans' minds this holiday season, along with the pressure to get a REAL ID. That deadline is nearly a year away, but thousands are already getting frustrated with the process.
If you think you can swing by the DMV on your lunch break, then you're wrong. Hundreds of people have had to wait as long as two hours to get their ID. Some people are also being turned away for not having what they need to complete the application.
Before you go, make sure you have the following items: proof of citizenship, proof of your full Social Security Number and two proofs of Tennessee residency – a utility bill, vehicle registration or pay check stub are acceptable.
You should also be prepared to provide documentation of any name changes.
A federal mandate requires drivers to obtain the higher security ID by October 2020. Anyone looking to fly on a commercial flight or visit federal facilities needs this ID or a passport.
Department of Safety and Homeland Security commissioner Jeff Long says so far, more than 270,000 people have gotten their ID, but there could be millions more still trying to get their new license.
Lawmakers here in Tennessee are trying to get County Clerks to also process these applications to help relieve the pressure from the DMVs. Right now, Wilson County is the only office in our area to start doing this.
Officials also want to hire at least 80 more employees to help in the areas with the longest wait times, which includes Nashville.
