As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, many Americans are scrambling to secure an appointment, some expressing panic over long delays at state DMVs.

People in New Jersey in particular seem to be having issues obtaining the ID, according to multiple social media posts, and Newsweek talked to one couple about their difficulties.

“We’re scrambling trying to get an appointment, and if not, we’re going to have to pay a lot to get our passports expedited with no guarantee they’ll be here on time. I’d like to know if the government will pay us back for our trip if they don’t let us on the plane,” said Olivia DeMattio, a New Jersey resident who works in sales at a car dealership.

Why It Matters

As of April 2025, approximately 81 percent of travelers at airport security checkpoints present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or passport, meaning many Americans could be facing similar last-minute scrambles, according to Transportation Security Administration figures.

Millions of Americans will need a Real ID for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities. Without one, or an acceptable alternative, travelers face disruptions to their air travel and federal facility access, fueling frustration across the country.

What to Know

Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or accessing federal facilities. Travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federally recognized ID, such as a passport.

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance security by establishing a standardized identification system across all 50 states. While the law was initially set to take effect in 2007, its implementation has been delayed multiple times.

A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets federal security requirements. After the May 2025 deadline, it will be required for domestic air travel and entry into federal facilities, including military bases and nuclear power plants.

As of January 2024, approximately 56 percent of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards in the United States were Real ID-compliant, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This indicates that around 44 percent of Americans with state-issued IDs—equating to over 124 million individuals—had yet to obtain a Real ID at that time, according to the ​Federal Register.

DeMattio told Newsweek that she and her partner have had significant issues trying to get an appointment.

“We are having a huge issue with the lack of DMV appointments. We have a nonrefundable trip booked for the end of May, and neither of us has valid passports or Real IDs,” she said.

“The government needs to listen to what the people are saying and extend the deadline. There are too many people who are panicking with trip bookings coming up who are being told there’s nothing they can do. Not everyone has a passport in this state that they can use as an alternative,” she added.

“There’s not a single appointment open in the state of New Jersey. Here and there an appointment will pop up if you check your phone at 3 am, but by the time you go to book it, somebody else has already beaten you to it. It’s insane to make it mandatory to fly by May 7th while also not offering any appointments or extensions.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Real ID-compliant cards will feature a special star marking. This may include a yellow or black star, a white star within a yellow or black circle, or a star inside the outline of a bear.

It is not yet clear how proposed phased enforcements of the new requirements might look, whether those without Real ID will be allowed to travel, with a warning.

Applications for Real IDs will still be accepted after the deadline; those who haven’t obtained their Real ID by May 7 will be unable to use it for travel or access to federal facilities until it is processed and issued. In the meantime, other forms of identification will be required.

Acceptable alternatives to a Real ID include a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, U.S. passport or passport card, DHS-trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or Nexus), U.S. Department of Defense ID, Veteran Health Identification Card, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, or ID from a federally recognized tribal nation.

Foreign government-issued passports, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and Canadian provincial driver’s licenses are also valid.

What People Are Saying

A TSA spokesperson told Newsweek: Noncompliant marked cards have no star and include language such as, “Not for REAL ID purposes” or “Not for Federal ID.” “Legacy” noncompliant cards are licenses or IDs issued prior to a state beginning to issue REAL ID-compliant cards and have neither a star nor noncompliant language. Temporary state-issued documents are not accepted at all airport checkpoints, so passengers will need to arrive at the airport with an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.

“In addition to REAL ID-compliant cards marked with a star, TSA will continue to accept Enhanced Driver’s Licensees (EDLs). EDLs are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border. EDLs are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

“To avoid delays at airport checkpoints, travelers flying on or after May 7 will need to arrive with their state-issued REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID from this list.”

DeMattio told Newsweek: “I think in theory it’s a great idea from a security standpoint. But I also think forcing the entire state to change their license isn’t right, it should be an option for traveling.”

Chloe DePalma said in a post on Facebook: “Trying to get an appointment for a real id is so hard. i hate New Jersey.”

New Jersey State Senator Troy Singleton said in a post: “We know with the May 7th deadline approaching, drivers have been scrambling to get a Real ID appointment.”

Facebook user Bill Oster said in a post on 6 April: “Central Kentucky… Am I reading things wrong, but trying to get Real ID and best I can do is an appointment over six weeks out?

Aaron Liebelt said in a post on Facebook: “Had to get my Real ID by Wednesday. Drove to Gilroy DMV. No appointment. In and out in 20 minutes. You’re welcome.”

Robin Hill said in a post on Facebook on April 1: “Why are there NEVER any appointments available in NJ to get a REAL ID?”

What Happens Next

As the May 7 deadline looms, obtaining a Real ID has become a pressing concern for many, but with appointment backlogs and processing delays, it’s uncertain how many will be able to meet the deadline.

If your current license isn’t Real ID-compliant, you’ll need to visit your state’s driver’s license agency to apply.