What to know about getting a REAL ID

In less than a month, starting on May 7, passengers who throw away from the United States airports will have to show TSA agents their true ID-compatible driver’s license or other form of compatible identification to go through security and make their flights. If they do not bring a true identification number, they could be confronted with delays, additional screening, or may not be allowed through the checkpoint, according to the Transport Security Administration (TSA).

The real implementation of an ID, which has been delayed many times from the original period in 2008, left some passengers confused about the requirements of their countries and panicked as they tried to arrange meetings in overwork DMV.

According to the federal documents of January 2024, only about 56% of driving licenses and identification numbers in circulation across the country have met Real ID.

The Ministry of Interior Security estimated that only 61.2% of driving licenses and identification numbers will be compatible by May 7th. A TSA spokesman told ABC News that 81% of travelers passing through TSA checkpoints currently have real identification numbers or other compatible identification.

If you have not yet received your true license for an identity document, here’s what to know as the deadline approaches:

DMV are stuck

The Department of Motor Vehicles across the country reports a long time of waiting as travelers collide to get their real ID driving licenses, but some offer solutions for people looking for last -minute meetings.

Some DMV in New York will remain open later on Thursday and will release new available time slots every day.

They will also process the Real ID applications at the New York International Motor Show, from April 18 to April 27 in the center of Javits in Manhattan. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has announced that 18 offices in the state will open earlier four days a week for real identity meetings. Illinois created a “real ID Supercenter” for walks.

“You may just have to do the old -fashioned thing and every morning, refresh your browser and see if any meetings have opened,” said Ixa Diaz, a spokesman for AAA. “Inevitable, as with the appointments of the doctors, there will be cancellation.”

Diaz warned that the candidates would leave their appointment with a temporary copy of the paper of their personal documentation. TSA will not accept this as valid, so they will have to wait until they receive their actual ID in the mail.

Try the AAA

Appointments can also be available in the local AAA branches, according to Diaz. Not all AAA offices process a real ID, and some only offer members’ service, so Diaz calls on travelers to call forward. Applicants may also have to pay an additional fee.

What to bring to your meeting

Applicants can check the Ministry of Internal Security Website to see the specific requirements and documents of their country that they need to bring.

You can still use your passport

A valid passport is a compatible identification, so if you have problems booking a meeting, you can still use this after May 7 to go through the TSA checkpoint.

If you show up without a real ID card, expect delays

If passengers arrive at the airport without compatible identification after May 7, TSA said they could meet delays and other difficulties at the checkpoint.

“Passengers who submit identification issued by a state that is not actually compatible with ID and who have no other acceptable alternative (ie passport) may expect to collide with delay, additional screening and the ability not to be allowed at the security checkpoint,” TSA said in a press release.