As a new federal mandate takes effect this Wednesday, local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations are experiencing an increase in visitors. The rule requires all domestic air travelers to present either a valid passport or a Real ID for boarding aircraft.
People who plan to fly are now rushing to their nearby DMV to obtain that Real ID before it’s too late.
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Since I have to travel to Alaska on June 5th.
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So even if I manage to secure it, let’s aim for Wednesday. I’m likely going to miss the flight; I’ll end up missing my entire job this summer for a full month. It seems like I won’t be able to go at all either. I must say, I am quite frustrated about this,” explained Mike Sebicky, who plans to work in Alaska’s fishing sector this coming summer.
“I need to catch a flight for a funeral, but I haven’t booked my ticket yet. I always wait until the last moment. Like many others in that situation,” explained Charles Thompson from Pacific Grove.
The DMV reports an increase in applicants seeking Real IDs, indicating that you should anticipate extended waiting periods. Thompson spent more than two hours awaiting his turn to handle official matters.
Well, yes, but I didn’t arrive at 8 a.m. as scheduled; instead, I turned up at 10 a.m,” Thompson explained. “If you get there at 8 a.m., nobody will be around, but when I arrived at 10, the place was packed with people, and the line stretched outside.
Appointments are recommended, but in Seaside, don’t expect to get an appointment until next month.
“I feel bad for those other people, it really stinks if you’re trying to get those documents at the last minute, and you know, everyone knows about DMV wait times and everything,” said Daniel Palacio, who was applying for a Real ID.
So, who needs a Real ID? Anyone 18 and older, looking to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings, assuming you do not have a valid passport.
If you’re applying at the DMV for a Real ID, you’ll need to provide proof of identity to include a valid passport or birth certificate, along with two documents proving residency, like a bank statement and utility bill
If you plan on traveling by air, a valid passport can be used as an alternative to a Real ID.
“Fortunately, I possess a passport, so I carry it with me wherever I go until I manage to find some time to visit the DMV,” stated Toula Hubbard, who had just arrived from a flight on Monday evening alongside her spouse.
Remember, there’s no rush to apply for a Real ID. According to DMV representatives, if you possess a valid passport, there’s no immediate need to switch over to a Real ID until your current driver’s license needs renewal. They also recommend considering scheduling an appointment beforehand.
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