Austin Caperton, MTN Reporter
February 8th, 2021
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has introduced new services to help facilitate Tennessee drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic
.
These services encourage customers to use online portals to take care of many different services they would otherwise need to complete in-person. This comes during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made social distancing the new normal across the world.
The Tennessee Department of Safety website outlined the changes made to maintain social distancing.
The primary changes are the additions to the e-Services portal located on the website. Users can now renew their license, duplicate their license, or change their address without having to go to a Drivers Services Center. This is possible because the Department of Safety has waived the in-person photo requirement until October 1 2021, however non-US citizens will still need to visit in person if they are using a temporary license.
The REAL ID implementation deadline has also been extended to October 1 2021, the voluntary program introduced to add further security measures for Tennessee residents. Tennessee residents who do not have a REAL ID by October 1 will not be able to board commercial flights or access federal buildings.
Users can also use the online portal to take online practice tests to prepare for their road skills test or permit application. The test covers questions that one might see on the actual permit application test, but does not act as a substitute for the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver Manual.
Driver Services Centers are still open to the public at this time, and users can schedule an appointment using the e-Services portal. Users can wait in their car until their appointment time if the center is at capacity. They are required to wear a face covering, have their temperature checked, and submit to COVID-19 health screening questions.