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How to Get ID & Documents in Tennessee

Tennessee issues state identification cards through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Birth certificates are managed by the Office of Vital Records within the Tennessee Department of Health.

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Quick Answer

You can get a Tennessee state ID card at any Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services center for $12, and the ID is free for certain eligible groups. The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) offers a reentry ID program to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain identification before release. Birth certificates can be ordered from the Office of Vital Records for $15.

Tennessee ID Agency

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS)

Website: tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html

Phone: (615) 251-5166

State ID Card

Cost: $12 (free for eligible individuals including those 60+, legally blind, or homeless)

REAL ID: $12 (REAL ID compliant by default)

Processing: 1-2 weeks; card mailed after in-person visit

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2)
  • Two proofs of Tennessee residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Tennessee issues REAL ID compliant IDs by default. Free state IDs are available to individuals who are 60 or older, legally blind, homeless, or who need a photo ID solely for voting purposes. You must visit a Driver Services center in person for a first-time ID.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records

Cost: $15 per certified copy

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-4 weeks by mail; same day in person at Nashville office

Order online: tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html

You can order Tennessee birth certificates online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Office of Vital Records in Nashville. You must provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) partners with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to help individuals obtain a state ID prior to release. TDOC staff can assist with gathering required documents including birth certificates and Social Security cards during incarceration. Contact your TDOC case manager to begin the process before your release date.

Homeless Provisions

Tennessee provides free state ID cards for individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Homeless service providers or shelters can provide a letter verifying homeless status, which can be used to obtain a free ID at a Driver Services center.

Fee Waivers

Free state ID cards are available for individuals who are 60 or older, legally blind, homeless, or who need a photo ID for voting. Tennessee also offers a free voter photo ID at Driver Services centers for those who lack other forms of ID.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Tennessee: $15 per certified copy.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the TDOSHS. Cost: $12 (free for eligible individuals including those 60+, legally blind, or homeless).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the TDOSHS, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest TDOSHS office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the TDOSHS as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state TDOSHS offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Tennessee-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the TDOSHS to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some TDOSHS offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Tennessee, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Tennessee but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the TennesseeState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Tennessee and register to vote. See our Tennessee voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Tennessee Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a Tennessee state ID for the first time?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two documents showing your Tennessee address (such as a utility bill and bank statement). You must apply in person at a Driver Services center.
Can I get a free state ID in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee provides free state ID cards for individuals who are 60 or older, legally blind, or experiencing homelessness. A free voter photo ID is also available if you need identification solely for voting purposes.
Can I get a Tennessee state ID if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a Tennessee state ID. You need the same documents as anyone else. If you are being released from prison, the TDOC reentry program can help you gather documents before release.
How do I get a birth certificate if I was born in Tennessee?
You can order a certified copy from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records by mail, online through VitalChek, or in person at the Nashville office. The cost is $15 per copy. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or online at ssa.gov. Replacement cards are free. You will need proof of identity such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport.
How long is a Tennessee state ID valid?
Tennessee state ID cards are valid for 8 years from the date of issuance. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services center.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local TDOSHS, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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