Lines grow as residents seek to get REAL ID before deadline

JACKSON, Tenn. — The real ID deadline is quickly approaching at less than two weeks away.

Earlier Friday in West Jackson, lines at the Driver Services Center were well into the parking lot according to an eyewitness.

By the time our crew arrived, the line was off the parking lot but still out of the door and onto the sidewalk. Several people in line were upset at the amount of time it took to get a REAL ID.

When we visited the Driver Services Center in Jackson, the biggest complaint most residents had was how lengthy the process was.

Residents of Chester, Henderson, and Lake counties can get a REAL ID from the county clerk’s office.

You’ll need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of your full social security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Also, if your name has changed, you’ll need proof of the change as well.

Russell Shoup with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) answers some frequently asked questions.

“May 7th is the implementation day for the REAL ID to be effective so if you’re going to fly commercially, which, we’re here at the Nashville airport or if you’re going to go into certain federal agencies or go into a military base or nuclear facility you will need to have a real id unless you have a passport or a federally issued photograph,” said Shoup.

You can still use your basic ID for day-to-day tasks.

If you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet, it’s optional and safe to wait, unless you have plans to visit where a REAL ID is required.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.