Do I Need A Divorce Decree To Prove My Identity?

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To obtain a Real ID card, you must provide original state-issued or certified copies of marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and Family or Probate Court papers. A hospital-issued birth certificate is not sufficient as proof of identity. If your name has changed from the divorce decree, you will need some form of proof of your identity. Bring your valid REAL ID and legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your state’s DMV or licensing issuing agency. U. S. residents must meet the REAL ID requirements to get theirs.

In December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID in the past married name would be extended. However, applicants may prefer to return to their original marriage certificate and judgment of divorce. Valid California driver license/ID cards are accepted by TSA for domestic flights and by federal agents for secure federal entry. Otherwise, they must provide a proof of name change, such as a certified marriage license or certificate, divorce decree, or document from the courts or Register of Deeds.

Different documents of identification that are acceptable for obtaining a Real ID card include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, court orders approving a change of legal name or date of birth, and an original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name. Starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for accessing federal facilities and entering.

For additional information, contact the REAL ID Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000. Supporting documents may include a divorce decree, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and a home utility bill.

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📹 Ready to get a Real ID? Here’s what you need to know

On Oct. 1, 2020, the Real ID Act will go into effect, making it necessary for Americans to have a compliant driver’s license or other …


How Much Does REAL ID Cost In NC
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How Much Does REAL ID Cost In NC?

In North Carolina, obtaining an N. C. REAL ID license or ID card incurs no additional fees; the cost aligns with that of a standard driver license or ID card. For renewals, if applied for within six months of expiration, the cost remains the same as a regular renewal. If pursued outside of this period, the fee is equivalent to that of a duplicate, which is $16. 75. The initial cost for a new N. C. REAL ID is consistent with any other driver license or ID. Payment methods are versatile, and fees can be settled through various options.

To summarize the costs associated with the N. C. REAL ID: there’s no added fee when renewing; the regular renewal cost applies, which is notably $40. When obtaining a REAL ID for the first time, expect to pay the standard first-time license fee. A REAL ID features a distinct gold star in the upper right corner, distinguishing it from standard licenses or ID cards. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers will require a REAL ID for domestic flights and entry to federal facilities.

Should you choose to get a REAL ID outside a renewal period, it will cost approximately $13 with a new photograph required. Overall, acquiring an N. C. REAL ID follows similar processes to obtaining a standard driver license, ensuring a streamlined experience for applicants.

What Documents Are Needed For TN REAL ID
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What Documents Are Needed For TN REAL ID?

To apply for a REAL ID in Tennessee, you must bring several required documents to your local DMV after scheduling an appointment. Specifically, you’ll need to present proof of U. S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of your full Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. All documents must be original or certified; photocopies will not be accepted.

Important information regarding residency documentation includes a current Tennessee driver's license, a utility bill, a vehicle registration certificate, or other legal documents indicating your Tennessee address. If you already possess a Tennessee driver license or ID, you will still need to provide these documents for the REAL ID application.

Additionally, starting May 7, 2025, all air travelers 18 years and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card for access to federal buildings and to board flights within the U. S. Therefore, for those planning to travel, obtaining a REAL ID is essential.

In summary, ensure you have the necessary documents ready, as adherence to these requirements is crucial for a successful REAL ID application.

Do You Need A Birth Certificate To Get An ID In North Carolina
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Do You Need A Birth Certificate To Get An ID In North Carolina?

To obtain a REAL ID in North Carolina, you need to present specific documents. For proof of identity and date of birth, acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, U. S. passport, or valid foreign passport. For Social Security verification, you can provide a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 tax form. Additional documentation must be issued by a recognized government agency in the U. S., U. S. territories, or Canada.

North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues non-driver identification cards for those who need photo ID but do not require a driver's license. Although having a REAL ID is optional, starting May 7, 2025, it will be necessary for federal identification purposes. To apply, you must visit a local DMV office in person, bringing relevant documents such as a valid ID, passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency.

It's essential to note that foreign citizens do not need a REAL ID for entry into North Carolina, but they must possess a passport recognized by the U. S. government. To ease the process, consider scheduling an appointment with the DMV. A birth certificate is often the most common proof of identity, valuable beyond just obtaining an ID.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A REAL ID In South Carolina
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How Much Does It Cost To Get A REAL ID In South Carolina?

In South Carolina, obtaining a REAL ID costs $25, the same price as a standard driver’s license. Starting May 7, 2025, a driver’s license or identification card must feature a gold star to be accepted for boarding domestic flights, entering secure federal buildings, or accessing military installations. From October 1, 2020, individuals are required to have a REAL ID or other federally approved ID, such as a valid U. S. Passport or military ID, for air travel.

South Carolinians who received their first driver's license after November 2010 can check their eligibility for obtaining a REAL ID, which can be purchased online or at any of the state’s 67 DMV locations. For children aged 5 to 16, the ID costs $5, while those 17 and older can exchange their ID for a REAL ID at no charge. A REAL ID or Enhanced Driver's License costs $25, plus a standard renewal fee of $12, totaling $37.

Applicants can have their photos taken at the DMV, and the new license will be mailed within 7 to 14 business days. Previously, driving privilege IDs had various fees based on age, but now, most licenses uniformly cost $25. Further information regarding eligibility and processes can be found on the SCDMV website.

Do I Need A Real ID
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Do I Need A Real ID?

As of May 7, 2025, all U. S. residents aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an alternative federally accepted form of ID, to pass through TSA airport security for domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. While obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory, it is advisable for those who generally use their state-issued ID for air travel.

Accepted alternatives include a valid U. S. passport. The REAL ID Act imposes stricter security standards for state-issued IDs, requiring applicants to provide proof of identity, residency, and a visit to their local DMV.

If your state ID features a star in the upper right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant. If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID, you can continue to use a standard driver’s license for driving and other non-federal purposes; however, it will not suffice for boarding domestic flights post-enforcement date. Non-compliance necessitates the use of a passport or another approved identification for air travel. To avoid complications, residents are encouraged to check their REAL ID readiness and familiarize themselves with application processes and requirements ahead of the deadline.

What Are Two Proofs Of Tennessee Residency
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What Are Two Proofs Of Tennessee Residency?

To prove Tennessee residency, applicants must provide certain documents. They must submit either two documents from List A or one from List A and one from List B. Acceptable documents in List A include current utility bills (e. g., landline, electric, water, gas), and current bank statements, while Internet bank statements require a stamp and date from a teller. Documents must show the applicant's name and residential address (P. O.

boxes are not accepted) and must be current, dated within the last four months. Additionally, applicants may need to present proof of U. S. citizenship or legal presence, along with documentation for any name changes.

For a driver's license application, two proofs of residency must be provided, such as utility bills or lease agreements. For obtaining a REAL ID, applicants need additional verification of U. S. citizenship and a Social Security number. Updating an address in Tennessee also requires two proofs of residency, submitted within ten days of the move. In all cases, maintaining updated documentation of residency and identity is crucial for compliance with state regulations.

How Much Does A REAL ID Cost In TN
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How Much Does A REAL ID Cost In TN?

In Tennessee, the cost of a Real ID is $28, identical to that of standard licenses and ID renewals. This fee applies when obtaining a Real ID during your renewal period; however, if you apply outside this timeframe, additional fees depend on your license classification. For first-time applicants or those whose licenses are due for renewal, the fee remains $28. After receiving your initial Real ID, you can renew it online, at a Self-Service Kiosk, or at a County Clerk Office.

It is essential to schedule a Real ID appointment, as federal law mandates that applications be completed in person. The deadline to obtain a Real ID in Tennessee is May 7, 2025. For the typical Class D driver’s license, the fee stands at $28. If you're looking to get a Real ID in Tennessee, it's crucial to do so before the deadline, as this ID will be required for various federal identification purposes. Overall, whether you are renewing or applying for the first time, the process is straightforward and cost-effective at the standard fee.

What Documents Are Needed For SC REAL ID
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What Documents Are Needed For SC REAL ID?

To obtain a REAL ID in South Carolina, residents must provide specific documents demonstrating their identity, Social Security number, and residency. Required documents include a birth certificate or a valid U. S. passport, a Social Security card or W-2, a current SC driver's license or ID, and a utility bill dated within the last 90 days. If the applicant has undergone a legal name change, a marriage license or court order is also necessary. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to board flights within the U. S. and access secure federal facilities.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) requires proof of identity, citizenship, and two proofs of current physical SC address from US citizens. The identity documents must be original or government-issued copies. Eligible individuals may be able to apply for a REAL ID online if all required documentation is on file with the SCDMV. To summarize, obtaining a REAL ID involves presenting documentation for full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and proof of address, alongside any requisite legal name change documentation for applicants with changed names.

What Documents Are Required For NC REAL ID
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What Documents Are Required For NC REAL ID?

To obtain a North Carolina REAL ID, applicants must present various documents at a DMV office in person. Required items include one proof of identity (like a passport or U. S. birth certificate), legal presence documentation for non-U. S. citizens, two proofs of residency in North Carolina, and a Social Security card if applicable. If exchanging a current U. S. driver's license, bring it along as well. Essential documents must have matching names, requiring a name change certificate if discrepancies exist.

The first REAL ID cannot be obtained online, and the documents will be scanned and stored as mandated by federal law. A valid, unexpired REAL ID from another state may also be accepted. The new REAL ID law will be effective from May 7, 2025, but people can start applying now. It is crucial to adhere to the requirements that include verifying U. S. citizenship, Social Security number, and North Carolina residency. Acceptable documentation includes various forms such as tax documents and proof of social security number.

Without a REAL ID or alternative approved identification, admittance to federal facilities, or boarding commercial flights, may be denied. More information is available at NCREALID. gov or by calling (919) 715-7000.


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You can now get a new Tennessee Driver’s License that has a small-but-important change.


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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