Residents are encouraged to visit the PennDOT website for additional details and to prepare for the upcoming enforcement deadline.

In response to the surge in requests, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is now offering 3,500 new appointments daily, along with an additional 4,600 appointments weekly through the REAL ID Thursdays initiative.

New Jersey residents can now book appointments to upgrade to a Real ID for airline travel, with hundreds of slots currently available.

Processing times for obtaining a Real ID vary by state, with some states taking up to 20 days to issue a hard copy after the initial appointment.

However, many residents are experiencing delays, with appointment bookings pushed into the summer, leading to longer wait times at MVC offices.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present a Real ID-compliant state ID or an approved form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights.

Despite efforts to implement the Real ID program, many residents remain unaware of the impending deadline, which is expected to significantly impact millions of travelers.

The approaching deadline emphasizes the importance of obtaining the necessary documentation, as millions are expected to seek Real IDs in the coming weeks.

To facilitate the process, special hours at select driver license centers are being implemented to assist residents in obtaining their Real IDs before the deadline.

Mobile Office stations have also been set up at airports, such as DTW's McNamara Terminal, to provide on-the-spot assistance to travelers.

Tracy Noble from AAA Club Alliance has expressed concern that individuals with limited resources may struggle to navigate the Real ID process as the deadline approaches.

In light of the limited appointment availability, state senators from Kentucky have requested another extension for Real ID enforcement.