WASHINGTON D.C. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In a press conference on Monday, March 23, President Trump announced that the federal government will be extending the deadline for Americans to get their Real ID. The original deadline for getting a Real ID was October 1, after which time any American without one would be unable to board domestic flights.
The extension comes as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the call for social distancing.
“At a time when we’re asking Americans to maintain social distancing, we do not want to require people to go to their local DMV,” said Trump.
Maryland Governor and National Governors Association Chairman Larry Hogan sent a letter to the White House on behalf of the group asking the president to extend the deadline due to significant disruptions in states’ operations.
“We are pleased that the federal administration has readily agreed to the governors’ request to extend the READ ID deadline. This will help contribute to our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, and avoid major confusion for the states,” Hogan said in statement to the Washington Post.
A new deadline has not been announced yet, but the president promised it would be provided ‘very soon.’
Once the new deadline has passed U.S. travelers over the age of 18 will need either a Real ID or a passport in order pass through security at American airports. Other accepted forms of identification will include a permanent resident card or trusted traveler program card.
In order to apply for a Real ID, citizens will need proof of citizenship, proof of social security and two proofs of Tennessee Residency in addition to their application. Tenneessee has 44 full-service driver services centers where residents can apply. Those that already have a Tennessee driver license can also apply at Nashville’s Downtown Express Center or participating County Clerk Partners.
For full details on how to apply for a Real ID, click here.