As the deadline for airline customers to provide a Real ID in order to board domestic flights draws near, some state officials are issuing warnings about crowding and lengthy wait times at Department of Motor Vehicles offices nationwide.
Travelers who are 18 years of age or older must have a valid passport or Real ID-compliant identification starting on May 7 in order to pass through Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints. Other types of identification will still be accepted.
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that a Real ID be required.
To make sure people were who they said they were, it set minimum security requirements for official identification cards and driver’s licenses.
By scheduling an appointment at their local DMV office, people can apply for a Real ID.
Even though the domestic air travel requirement was announced in 2005 and the enforcement date was repeatedly postponed, officials in some areas claim that application rates for obtaining the special ID cards are falling behind.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Transportation Director Mike Carroll stated that about 2.5 million drivers in Pennsylvania, or 26% of the state’s population, own Real IDs.
He cautioned that as the deadline draws closer, there may be long waits and heavy crowds at DMV offices throughout the state.
“There’s a lot of procrastinators out there, and our driver’s license centers have real serious issues with respect to a lot of folks showing up,” Carroll stated.
In order to accommodate the anticipated last-minute requests, the state of Illinois expanded its DMV calendar by adding 2,500 appointments per day. Additionally, it established a “supercenter” for Real ID where anyone can come in and apply.
“Our facilities and website have been overwhelmed with requests,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recently stated.
In addition to other documents, applicants must submit their legal name, birthdate, and Social Security number.
Although federal transportation authorities informed that they have the option to implement enforcement gradually, they did not specify how this strategy would operate.
Real ID signage has been placed at screening checkpoints at Denver International Airport to alert visitors to the impending deadline. Passengers may also learn more about the change on the airport’s website.
“If you don’t have a flight on May 7 or the following week,” then try to get an appointment, Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association stated.”
This information has been sourced from NBC News.
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