Video Captures Long Lines To Get Real Id At Some Dmv Locations Before Deadline

Social media faces reality of long Real ID lines as deadline looms

Department of Motor Vehicles offices are overwhelmed as people scramble to get their Real ID before the deadline on May 7.

The last place anyone, especially those without a REAL ID, want to be right now is the DMV.

After years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration will finally be enforcing REAL ID, a federal standard for identification, for domestic travel on May 7. A REAL ID can also grant certain individuals access to nuclear power plants, or entry into some federal facilities.

Any adult who plans to travel around the country this summer, or any time after the enforcement deadline, must have a REAL ID or another federally compliant identification document in order to avoid delays.

"Now, taking out a chair, to go to my place, which is number 138," the woman says in the video.

Many Americans, much to the dismay of their local DMV offices, are scrambling to get paperwork in order before the deadline to increase their chances of getting it by the deadline.

Some DMV offices have extended their hours or set aside special appointment times to anticipate a surge in potential customers. State driver’s licensing agencies have also encouraged applicants to ask themselves whether they need a REAL ID right away or whether they can hold off until the surge passes.

Some have taken to social media to gripe about the lack of appointments or about the lines at the DMV, with some saying they still had to experience long wait times even if they planned ahead. One woman even brought a chair so she could sit comfortably until her number was called.

Another user wrote on X: "The Real ID line wraps around the block twice… Easily the longest line I’ve ever seen. Maybe (just maybe) this could’ve been communicated a little better."

Others are just frustrated with the process in general, citing difficulties they encountered and for some, privacy issues.

"I was going to use my passport as Real ID but then I remembered that you have to surrender it for weeks (or months!) when it is renewed," an X user wrote April 25. "So now people w/o a state-issued Real ID won’t be able to fly even in the US during the lengthy passport renewal process. Such a lame system."

Only state driver’s licensing agencies like the DMV, or MDV issue REAL IDs. (A between the state-issued driver's license, or the nondriver identification card you have now is the special symbol that appears on the top right-hand corner.)

The best way to figure out what, or which documents you will need to provide in order to get one is by contacting your state’s driver’s licensing agency since requirements vary from state to state. But at a minimum, you will need to provide documentation with your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of address of principal residence and lawful status.

Individual states may have additional requirements, so contact your state’s driver’s licensing agency online or in person for additional information or assistance.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY