Heads up, people, the REAL ID deadline is approaching and it’s approaching fast. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) made a last-minute statement ahead of the deadline, prompting Americans to act with more haste. People who have domestic flights scheduled soon after the deadline might want to pay attention, or risk the possibility of missing their flights. Starting May 7, federal agencies will now require a REAL ID, passport, or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and to enter federal buildings.
This is why you must make sure you have a REAL ID
The change in compulsory identification followed as a response to the 9/11 Commission recommendation. The Act was passed by Congress back in 2005 and is necessary to implement minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and government identification cards to ensure people are not trying to commit identity theft.
From May 7 onwards, it will be compulsory for all travelers ages 18 and above to have REAL ID-compliant identification for accessibility through Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints or have valid passports. However, certain additional forms of identification will still be allowed as alternatives, such as enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL) by the following states:
- Washington
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Vermont
For those wondering to which states the new compulsory identification applies, it will apply to all states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories that are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.
This is how and where you can get your REAL ID
The Department of Homeland Security pushed the deadline back many times, but now the time is up. Those who must still replace their traditional driver’s licenses or IDs with ones that have a star at the top should visit their nearest DMV as soon as possible. If your driver’s license and/or ID is without a star, it will be noted as “Not for Federal Purposes.” North Carolinians should be aware that they do not need new identification to drive, vote, or apply for or receive federal benefits.
From Monday, April 7, the service hours at the North Carolina DMV will be extended. We know many North Carolinians will rejoice, as long lines and waiting times can be seen at DMVs, and it will surely worsen as the May 7 deadline approaches.
“2 more offices will join 50 others in opening at 7 a.m., which is an hour early; eleven of those offices are in central North Carolina– including in Johnston and Cumberland counties.” – North Carolina DMV.
DMVs across various states are working hard
Officials announced that application rates for the new identification cards in some states are starting to fall behind, despite the domestic air travel requirement announcement being made in 2005. Reportedly, only 26% of Pennsylvania’s drivers have Real IDs.
With their facilities and their website being completely overwhelmed, the state of Illinois’ DMV added 2,500 additional daily appointments to its schedule to assist the last-minute demands. A new REAL ID “supercenter” was also opened where its people can simply walk in and apply. Applicants usually need to provide their legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, but are advised to check with their state’s driver’s licensing agency website, which additional documentation/information might be needed to apply for their new identification documents.
Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, advised people,
“If you don’t have a flight on May 7 or the following week, then try to get an appointment, TODAY.”
Our take on the whole situation? Listen to Diaz, stop procrastinating, and just do as Diaz says. Let us be real, you need it, and you need it soon, so just go get your REAL ID now. For more information on the application process, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s news on the Real ID.