Appointment Bookings Soar as Real ID Deadline Approaches

The North Dakota Department of Transporation says there will be plenty of time after the deadline to get a Real ID, provided you're not planning on travelling by air soon.

FARGO, N.D. – You may be surprised to know that 66% of North Dakotans already have a Real ID – because right now, the Department of Transportation is definitely feeling the effects of intensified demand for appointments.

“For the last month or so, our offices have been getting quite a bit busier, we’ve noticed that,” said Brad Schaeffer the Director of Driver & Motor Vehicle Services for NDDOT. ”

We’re at least a couple days out at all our locations for appointments.”

It’s gotten to the point where officials want to ensure people that May 7 is not the cutoff point to receive a real ID; it’s just when the TSA will begin requesting one for air travel.

“We want to make sure the person standing there is the person on the ID, because that’s how we determine the level of screening we’ll give someone,” explained Jessica Mayle, Regional Spokesperson for the TSA.

Not having a real ID doesn’t mean you won’t be able to fly – but it does mean your airport experience could be significantly drawn out.

Other forms of identification that remain acceptable, such as a passport.

However, the TSA would prefer you get the Real ID – and NDDOT says if you make an appointment to do so, and you come prepared, you’ll be shocked by how easy it can be.

“With an appointment, and with all the right documents, you can literally be in and out of our office within 10 to 15 minutes,” said Schaeffer.