Cracking down on REAL IDs
May 7 deadline arrives, DMV sees longer lines for a REAL ID.
As the May 7 deadline for U.S. residents to get a REAL ID arrives, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles’ appointments are filling up quickly.
REAL ID is a federal law that sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards; the ID is indicated by a star on the corner of the driver’s license or identification card, and it allows citizens to travel and go to government buildings without having to carry a U.S. passport.
A North Carolina REAL ID will have a star in the upper right corner of the driver's license . Every REAL ID will have one of these stars to depict its authenticity, though the location of these stars depend on the state’s driver’s license.
Marty Homan, communications manager at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said he’s noticed an increase in visitors to the DMV.
“We are seeing people who have sort of waited until the last minute to get a REAL ID,” Homan said. “We've been offering REAL IDs for eight years.”
North Carolina began offering REAL IDs in May 2017. Homan said that since then, the DMV has issued 4.8 million REAL IDs, with around 60,000 to 65,000 REAL IDs being issued per month.
Illustration of a North Carolina REAL ID. Courtesy of Erin Martin.
Illustration of a North Carolina REAL ID. Courtesy of Erin Martin.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was put into effect after the 9/11 Commission Report set standards for safety within the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the U.S. Due to certain setbacks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline has been pushed back until May 7, 2025, to be in full force.
“The 2005 REAL ID Act is a coordinated effort between the states and the federal government to inhibit terrorists' ability to evade detection by using fake or fraudulently obtained identification cards,” said Daniel Velez, Transportation Security Association’s spokesperson for North Carolina REAL ID program. “So basically, the ACT makes sure that you are who you say you are when you get on an aircraft.”
Velez said the reason for this driver’s license change is safety. When asked about faked REAL IDs, Velez said they would be handled by law enforcement.
"We have a credential authentication technology machine, which can easily spot fake identification cards,” Velez said. “That's what those machines are designed to do. If it's fake we immediately bring over local law enforcement. We let them handle it from there.”
Elon students & REAL IDs
Elon freshman Jack Novak said he does not have a REAL ID from his home state of New Jersey. Though Novak plans to drive home from Elon, he said that he plans to update his driver’s license to a REAL ID if any spots are available at his local DMV.
“I think it's really hard to get a reservation for one or an appointment for one in New Jersey right now, but they're requiring it,” Novak said. “I probably should get one when I go back home.”
Along with not having a REAL ID, Novak does not have his passport with him.
“I wouldn't be able to [fly home], so that's not good, I guess,” Novak said. “So, I guess it's good I can get a ride.”
Freshman at Elon University and a local resident of Elon, Jonathan Mushi, shared his thoughts on the upcoming implementation of Real IDs, which will be required for TSA, power plants, and other government facilities. Mushi said he has a REAL ID already.
"Honestly, no, I never thought my ID held that much importance unless I was getting behind the wheel," Mushi said. "But now, with the new administration, it's interesting because people are clenching onto their IDs much more. I feel like you need it to get to more places, and the reasoning is deeper than what they sell it to be."
Mushi expressed concerns about the broader implications of the Real ID requirement.
"I feel like there's a bigger agenda behind it, like wanting to clamp down on IDs and everything,” Mushi said. “I mean I never thought twice about it unless I was getting behind the wheel with my friends or myself. I feel like it is twice as important, even outside of getting behind the wheel.”
When asked if he would renew his ID as a Real ID or just get a regular one, Mushi said he would just get the exact same renewed ID because it's free.
Regarding security, Mushi acknowledged the importance but also raised concerns about potential oppression.
"IDs have been around for so long, and the country, in general, has been doing a pretty good job at it,” Mushi said. “I feel as if with the new administration they have a bigger agenda or a bigger purpose behind security, like making a big issue on locking down on IDs. I feel like it's more so oppressing a minority than, um, securing the country."
Mushi emphasized the need for accessible IDs for everyone.
To exchange a driver’s license into a REAL ID, it is free as long as it is a renewal. But if someone is coming in to exchange their license outside of the renewal cycle, the duplicate license will cost $16.75.
Typically, DMV appointments are made 90 days in advance, but it also welcomes walk-in appointments.
DMV adds more hours
The North Carolina DMV is making changes to better serve the increasing demand from residents. DMV offices across the state will open an hour earlier, at 7 a.m.
"We see the folks waiting in line, and we know there's more demand," Homan said. The DMV's website shows appointments are fully booked, highlighting the need for extended hours.
In addition to the earlier opening time, the DMV is also introducing summer Saturday hours beginning June 7. The number of offices offering Saturday hours will expand from 16 to 20.
The DMV is not only extending its hours but also requesting additional staff.
"There are two asks,” Homan said. “One is for 61 employees to fill open workstations. Right now, we have more workstations than full-time employees. If we get these 61 additional positions funded by the legislature, it would fill those workstations with full-time employees.”
This request for more employees is included in North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's budget proposal. The DMV is currently awaiting a response on this legislation.
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