REAL ID Deadline Sparks DMV Mayhem and Statewide Scramble for Travelers

With the REAL ID deadline breathing down our necks—just days away—Americans are scrambling to get their new IDs, and, predictably, chaos is finding its way into DMV lines across the country.

Starting May 7, anyone hoping to fly domestically will need a REAL ID in hand, unless they want airport security to treat them like they're trying to board a UFO. While some folks are hustling to comply, others are opting out entirely—perhaps the TSA line is their favorite place to meditate?

States are handling the rush in their own ways. In New Jersey, DMVs have been showing "0 appointments available" so often it might as well be their new slogan. Governor Phil Murphy just kicked off "REAL ID Tuesdays," tossing in over 5,000 extra appointments in a final sprint before the federal hammer drops.

Interestingly, New Jersey boasts a hefty number of passport holders, a fact TSA seems pretty pleased about. TSA Acting Administrator Adam Stahl insists, "We are extremely prepared." Every state, though, is at a different stage of readiness, and some are sprinting while others are still stretching.

Some places are nailing it—Nebraska has nearly every driver on board with REAL ID, with only a few thousand holdouts. Meanwhile, in Maine, only 27% of residents have made the switch. Maine's Secretary of State is calling for a phased-in warning period instead of an instant crackdown, so travelers aren’t left stranded like they missed the last ferry out.

There are shining stars: Maryland and D.C. have hit a whopping 99% compliance. But not everyone’s feeling the love. In Kentucky, state senators are begging for more time, citing long waits and limited appointments. Twenty-eight legislators have even written to Homeland Security for an extension, which might be the modern equivalent of a Hail Mary pass.

Stahl says it’s a "whole society effort," with airports and DMVs working overtime—including evenings and weekends—to get everyone on board. But he also warns: No REAL ID, no flying. Travelers without the right ID could face delays or, in rare cases, outright denial at the gate. Talk about a buzzkill for your vacation plans.