Getting ID and Documents Back in Tennessee: State ID, Birth Certificate and More

You bring one proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, such as a certified birth certificate or a U.S. passport, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. No testing is needed. If your name changed, bring the papers that connect your names, like a marriage certificate or court order.

Official page: tn.gov/safety/driver-services/idonly.html

Yes, there is a way. The state accepts the Affidavit of Tennessee Residency for Homeless or Shelter Residents as the second proof of residency. You still need other proof of residency from the approved list. Ask the Driver Services Center what else to bring before you go.

Official page: tn.gov/safety/driver-services/idonly.html

A Permanent Identification License is free for Tennessee residents who are intellectually or physically disabled, with a certified statement from a licensed doctor that they cannot operate a vehicle. For voting, the Secretary of State says voters who are indigent and unable to get a photo ID without paying a fee are exempt from the photo ID rule.

Official page: sos.tn.gov/elections/voter-id-requirements

Every county health department provides Vital Records services. Call your local health department first to ask what ID you need and what it costs. Room In The Inn staff can also help you get documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards, and the Hospitality Hub in Memphis helps with birth certificates and Tennessee identification.

Official page: tn.gov/health/local.html

In Nashville, Room In The Inn offers navigation help and a Legal and ID Clinic. In Memphis, the Hospitality Hub helps people get birth certificates and Tennessee identification, and also has mail and phone services. You can also dial 211.

Official page: roomintheinn.org/support-services