Prepare for potential delays at airports as a new ID policy is set to be implemented in a few weeks, cautioning travelers to take necessary measures.
Americans have been rushing to snap up their Real IDs before the law comes into effect on May 7.
From May 7, travelers will need what’s known as a Real ID to board domestic flights.
There are only 33 days until the policy comes into force and this has sparked a frantic rush.
Viral social media footage shows DMV offices packed full of people as they renew their driving licenses.
Some have claimed they had to wait two-and-a-half hours for an appointment at their local DMV center.
Another driver posted on Facebook claiming they were at their local DMV office for three hours.
Road users have also complained that they’ve had to wait weeks for their Real IDs to arrive in the mail.
States have reported they’ve seen long lines at several offices, as per the ABC affiliate WTVD-TV.
Officials in North Carolina revealed more than 90 offices will open one hour early from 7am on April 7 in a bid to manage the surge.
Fears are mounting that lines could worsen as the deadline nears.
And, there are concerns that officials might not be able to meet the demand.
This is because individual centers have been grappling with staff shortages, per the NBC affiliate WRAL-TV.
And drivers have complained about the time they have had to wait.
“I probably spent eight or nine hours trying to get my license,” Chris Dell told the outlet.
“It’s an embarrassment to the state.”
Applying for a REAL ID
The process varies by state, but residents will need a few documents to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline.
The application process for the new ID policy can be initiated online across all states. This involves uploading essential documents, providing basic information, and sharing Social Security numbers. Following online submission and evaluation, a physical visit to the DMV or relevant state department office is mandatory for an official to authenticate the documents.
From there, a thumbprint will be recorded in the system, and a photo will be issued for the ID before it’s mailed.
The documents needed are those that show:
- Full legal name (previous driver’s license, passport, etc)
- Date of birth (like a birth certificate, or an official copy of one)
- Social Security number (Social Security card)
- Two proofs of residence (like a utility bill or voter registration card)
- Lawful status
Source: Department of Homeland Security
And, Florida resident Lizzie Colindres claimed she had been waiting hours for an appointment, according to CBS.
Meanwhile, officials in Illinois have resorted to creating a Real ID supercenter.
“Our facilities and website have been overwhelmed with requests,”Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias admitted.
And, not all Americans have been slow to obtain their Real IDs.
In Pennsylvania, only one in four residents have so far obtained their real IDs, sparking concern.
Officials fear that only 60% of driving licenses will match up to the Real ID requirements.
Americans will know if their driver’s license or ID card is a Real ID by the star it has in the corner.
Americans over 18 will need to show their Real ID at airport security checkpoints, unless they’re using a passport.
Children will not need to show a Real ID card at security.
Officials have warned travelers just need to show their Real ID or passport – they don’t need both forms of identification.
The policy is coming into force on May 7, but there will be a phased enforcement.
Patricia Mancha, a representative from the Transportation Security Administration, has issued a warning that individuals with incorrect identification may encounter hold-ups during airport security checks.
Real IDs will also required to enter secure federal facilities.
