As the May 7 deadline for Real ID enforcement rapidly approaches, Americans across the country are facing challenges securing appointments to obtain the necessary documentation, Fox News reports.
The issue is particularly acute in New Jersey, where appointment availability is severely limited.
Beginning May 7 air travelers at domestic airports and individuals entering certain federal buildings will be required to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification.
On Monday, the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV) website displayed “0 appointments available” for Real ID services. In stark contrast, there were 13,243 appointments available for non-driver IDs, 34,155 for transferring out-of-state driver’s licenses, and 51,809 for license renewals.
The NJDMV clarified that individuals whose driver’s licenses are within the renewal period can book a renewal appointment and upgrade to a Real ID, with 51,809 such appointments currently available. The department also stated that 3,000 new appointments for Real ID upgrades are added each business day starting at 7 a.m.
“The upcoming enforcement date is most relevant for those New Jerseyans who plan to fly domestically in the short term and do not have a form of identification that will meet federal Real ID requirements,” according to an automated message on the NJDMV website.
Valid passports remain an acceptable alternative for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. The State Department estimates that expedited passport processing takes two to three weeks and incurs additional fees.
For individuals without a passport who are unable to secure a DMV appointment in time, select AAA branches offer Real ID services in certain states. However, a AAA spokesperson said that New Jersey is not among the six states where these services are available.
“Some AAA branch offices that offer DMV services can also issue Real IDs. We recommend calling the AAA branch office in your local area to determine if those services are available,” the spokesperson said. “The process is the same as it is at the DMV. However, there may be greater access to appointments at AAA branch offices. It also varies by location, but in some cases, these services are only available to AAA members.”
Regardless of the location, individuals attending Real ID appointments are required to bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of their Social Security number, and six points of identification.
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