Real ID countdown: You have 3 weeks to make sure your license is compliant

The deadline to obtain Real ID for your license is coming soon as Americans are scrambling to schedule appointments at their local motor vehicle agencies. 

Real IDs must be obtained by May 7, 2025, meaning air travelers need this ID to board domestic flights and to gain entrance to some federal buildings, according to the Department of Homeland Security. 

RELATED: Real ID deadline arrives in May: What to know now

The Real ID deadline was May 3, 2023, but was extended because of residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

What is a Real ID?

Why you should care:

A Real ID is a seal on all state-issued identification documents.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," according to the Department of Homeland Security. 

RELATED: Real ID license: Deadline approaches for US travelers

The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

All states, Washington, D.C., and the five territories are Real ID compliant, and they are issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. Moreover, travelers who don’t show a REAL ID-compliant license or suitable ID option can’t go through a security checkpoint.

How can I obtain a Real ID?

What you can do:

Travelers that need to apply for a Real ID, must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles office in their area and fill out an online application and upload their documents. When you arrive at the DMV office make sure to bring your uploaded documents to complete the application. 

The following documentation you need is listed below: 

1. Full Legal Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Social Security number
4. Two proofs of your address of principal residence
5. Lawful status

States might enforce more requirements, so you should visit your local DMV for a full list of documents and a link to the online application.

Appointments to get Real IDs vary by state

Local perspective:

FOX News reported that some states are bombarded with demand now to get the Real ID that there are no appointments available to get it, even with extra booking slots. However, other states said they are extending their DMV hours to accommodate people rushing to get their Real IDs. 

On April 7, the California DMV announced that certain locations will open an hour early to assist residents trying to get their ID before the May 7 deadline.

Approximately 18 locations will open at 7 a.m. on weekdays except for Wednesdays — and will be reserved only for those with scheduled Real ID appointments. 

And in Virginia, two DMVs in the area hosted a four-hour "REAL ID Appointment-Only Event" during the past two weekends.