County Clerk Bill Knowles said implementation of the REAL ID is being delayed for clerks to provide further training in the new process.
The implementation now may be in mid- or late-July.
State officials said the REAL ID Act "establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. Beginning October 1, 2020, all persons must have a REAL ID license for accessing Federal buildings, entering nuclear facilities, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft."
Mr. Knowles was advised by Mitzie Hinson, west regional manager-Field Operations for the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security:
"Good morning, Mr. Knowles. We understand you are concerned regarding the implementation of REAL ID. The process will be available to our County Clerk Partners. The necessary changes to the issuance system may be ready to move to the Clerks by mid to late July. We hope the delay, in the roll-out for the Clerks, will allow a smoother transition.
"Your staff should receive a visit tomorrow from District Manager- Cheryl Huff. She is from the Knoxville area and will be providing training on the new processes. She will cover the new Handgun Renewal process, in addition to discussing the REAL ID implementation."