Starting May 7, 2025, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. must present a Real ID-compliant state ID or an approved form of identification, such as a passport.

To facilitate urgent needs, applicants can apply for an emergency REAL ID appointment by providing proof of the emergency, such as a death certificate or a doctor's letter.

In Pennsylvania, PennDOT is extending special hours at select driver license centers to help residents obtain their REAL ID before the upcoming deadline.

While states like Connecticut and Oregon report high compliance rates, larger states such as California and Texas are struggling to meet the demand for DMV services.

In response to this increased demand, the MVC is now offering 3,500 new appointments daily and an additional 4,600 appointments weekly through the REAL ID Thursdays initiative.

In Kentucky, state senators are advocating for another extension of REAL ID enforcement due to limited appointment availability for residents.

April has seen a surge in demand at RMVs, with average wait times of 38 minutes for walk-ins and 33 minutes for appointments, particularly in busy locations like Revere and Boston’s Haymarket.

Currently, 56% of IDs in circulation nationwide meet REAL ID standards, with significant variations among states, highlighting the need for continued public awareness.

Fees for obtaining a REAL ID vary by state; for instance, Washington, D.C. charges $47 for a first-time driver’s license, while Maine’s fees differ based on age.

Residents are encouraged to visit the PennDOT website for details on booking appointments and emergency information related to REAL ID.

In Rhode Island, residents without a REAL ID can schedule in-person appointments at the DMV without incurring additional fees during license renewal.

Many residents are experiencing delays in appointment bookings, with available dates pushed into the summer, leading to longer wait times for those seeking a REAL ID.