North Carolina lawmakers advance two-year driver's license renewal extension

Americans have just days left to upgrade to a Real ID if they want to board domestic flights, as a new federal rule will be enforced starting May 7. The Real ID requirement replaces previous standards that allowed regular state-issued licenses for air travel, and now only Real IDs, passports, or other federally accepted identification will be valid at airport security checkpoints. Departments of Motor Vehicles across the country are experiencing long lines and packed offices as travelers rush to obtain the necessary upgrades before the deadline, with appointment slots in many cities nearly full. In Alabama, for example, the upgrade is known as the STAR ID and is the only state-issued license that will be accepted at TSA checkpoints. While regular licenses remain valid for driving and other uses, they will no longer suffice for domestic air travel. Officials recommend scheduling appointments online to avoid long waits as the enforcement date approaches.