LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The deadline is fast approaching if you need a Real ID.
If you don’t have a passport and are planning to fly or visit a federal facility like a military base, you will need one starting in less than two weeks on May 7th.
Thursday, FOX5 went to the DMV where many people are trying to get that enhanced ID before the deadline.
The upgraded state-issued identification card meets new federal standards known as Real ID.
It’s a driver’s license or other state-issued ID that meets security requirements mandated in a 2005 law passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
You may already have a Real ID. Take a close look at your driver’s license or state ID card in the upper right-hand corner. A white star in a yellow circle or in the outline of Nevada means you have a Real ID.
If the star is missing, it is not a Real ID. If you want one, you will need to take certain documents to the DMV but expect a lot of company.
“I need it because I’m actually traveling on a plane in May and until last week, I didn’t know the regular ones expired on May 7th,” explained Rochelle Hawley to FOX5.
Though the requirement is 20 years in the making, with just weeks to go, there is a rush for many to get one for many people including for Hawley.
“First, I made an appointment online, but as soon as I could make a regular appointment was the 23rd and that was going to be too late. So, I saw online that on Tuesday nights at 8:00, you could sign on and try to get an appointment for Wednesday… so day before yesterday, I got on right at 8:00 and I sat there and clicked. I was like 3,000 something in line, but I stayed and stayed and stayed and I was able to make an appointment for yesterday. However, I when I read bring proof of ID, I didn’t click on it to see what proof of ID really meant, so I thought my driver’s license was proof of ID,” Hawley recounted.
Hawley was turned away but came back with proper documentation.
You must have ALL of the following to get a Real ID at the DMV:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of name change (if you’ve changed your name)
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of your Nevada residential address (must bring two documents)
Thursday, a spokesperson for the TSA said the agency plans to enforce Real ID requirements starting May 7th.
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