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North Carolinians Rush to Obtain Real IDs Ahead of Holiday Travel

People waiting at a DMV office for Real ID applications

News Summary

Nearly half of eligible North Carolinians have obtained Real IDs since TSA began requiring them for air travel. The DMV has extended hours and will even open 20 offices on Saturdays to meet demand. The TSA reports that the majority of travelers have passed through security smoothly, although longer wait times are expected during the holiday season. Travelers are urged to arrive earlier for flights, and those without Real IDs are encouraged to acquire one before the compliance deadline in May 2025.

Asheville, North Carolina – Nearly half of eligible North Carolinians have acquired Real IDs in the week since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began requiring them for air travel. The requirement has prompted the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to extend hours at over 40 locations statewide to accommodate the increased demand for these identification cards before the busy travel season.

As the holiday travel season approaches, the stress on TSA security processes is expected to increase, leading to longer lines at airports according to Asheville Regional Airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey. Despite the worries, the TSA has reported that 92% of nearly 22,000 passengers have successfully passed through security screening without complications since the implementation of the Real ID requirement. On a national scale, nearly 90% of travelers have had a smooth experience with the new regulations.

TSA’s federal security director announced better-than-expected outcomes in the lead-up to the Real ID rollout, indicating that operations are resilient enough to handle a surge in passengers. The TSA has advised travelers without Real IDs to arrive at the airport earlier than usual; specifically, two hours prior for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. It has been noted that those lacking a Real ID will not significantly delay processing times for other passengers—any slowdowns will mainly affect those who do not comply with the new ID requirements.

Officials continue to encourage individuals without a Real ID to visit their local DMV offices to obtain one. It is important to note that Real IDs must be acquired in person; online applications are not allowed for first-time applicants. To distinguish Real IDs from standard driver’s licenses, these IDs feature a star symbol in the upper right corner.

The deadline for compliance with the Real ID Act is set for May 7, 2025. After this date, a Real ID will be mandatory for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. Although switching to a Real ID is optional for now, traditional licenses may still be used for purposes such as voting and driving that do not require federal identification.

In response to rising demand, the North Carolina DMV will begin opening 20 offices on Saturdays this summer to expand availability for residents seeking to obtain Real IDs. Appointments at DMV locations can be arranged up to 90 days in advance, but these slots may quickly fill, particularly in denser metropolitan areas.

Travelers looking for identification alternatives apart from Real IDs can consult the TSA website, which maintains a list of acceptable forms of ID. Requirements for obtaining a Real ID include providing proof of identity and residency, among other necessary documentation.

The engagement of North Carolineans in acquiring Real IDs showcases an awareness of the changing requirements for travel in the United States. With the TSA placing priority on ensuring efficient airport operations amidst evolving security landscape, observers will be watching to see how these adjustments unfold in the lead-up to the holiday travel rush.