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State DMV Officials Seeing Last-Minute Rush for REAL IDs Ahead of Deadline

TSA officials say travelers should expect long waits and delays without it.
State DMV Officials Seeing Last-Minute Rush for REAL IDs Ahead of Deadline
An employee checks people in at the New York State DMV in New York City on April 28, 2025. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Wesley Brown
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State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and travel industry officials nationwide are seeing a last-minute surge by local residents seeking to become REAL ID compliant before the May 7 federal deadline.

Over the last several months, DMV officials in all 50 states and U.S. territories have been working closely with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as the new REAL ID rules take effect this week at airports nationwide.

Wesley Brown
Wesley Brown
Author
Wesley Brown is a long-time business and public policy reporter based in Arkansas. He has written for many print and digital publications across the country.