Rush for REAL ID Appointments Intensifies Ahead of May 2025 Deadline

As the May 7, 2025 deadline for obtaining a REAL ID approaches, many Americans, particularly in New Jersey and California, are experiencing significant difficulties securing appointments at local DMVs. In New Jersey, residents have reported frustration over the lack of available slots, with officials stating that they are processing record numbers of transactions but acknowledging ongoing challenges. Similarly, Californians are rushing to obtain their REAL IDs, with some individuals facing wasted trips due to missing documentation. The REAL ID will be required for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities; without it, travelers will need alternative forms of identification, such as a passport. The urgency has led to long lines and increased demand at DMVs nationwide, which have been inundated with last-minute requests for appointments. The deadline marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005 to enhance security measures across the country.