ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you plan to fly, leave the country or visit certain federal facilities this summer and haven’t gotten your Real ID, it may be time to consider a backup plan.
In 2022, the state had almost 8 million licensed drivers, according to the Federal Highway Administration. As of April 15, 2025, an estimated 4 million North Carolina drivers still needed to obtain a Real ID license, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies will enforce the Real ID Act, which requires a Real ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification to board commercial flights or enter secure federal buildings.
That means the rush is on to get to the DMV office to get a Real ID. Unfortunately, it appears local offices have no openings any time soon. According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website, no appointments are available in the Asheville area to get a duplicate license with Real ID or to renew your license and get a Real ID.
The Real ID Act
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established federal standards for issuing state driver’s licenses and identification cards in response to a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. The law sets minimum security requirements for the production and issuance of these documents and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses or ID cards from states that do not meet those standards.
Under the law, state-issued IDs must meet specific criteria to be accepted for certain federal purposes, including entering government buildings, accessing nuclear power plants, and boarding domestic flights.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, beginning May 7, 2025, federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will only accept Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards for these activities. The measure is intended to enhance national security and reduce the risk of fraudulent identification.
The N.C. Real ID looks like a traditional driver’s license or ID but includes a gold star at the top. Licenses without the star are marked “Not for Federal Identification.”
Real ID is not mandatory for driving in North Carolina. You also do not need a Real ID to:
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits (such as from the VA or Social Security)
- Enter federal facilities that don’t require ID (like post offices)
- Access hospitals or receive emergency services
- Participate in legal proceedings such as jury duty or testifying in federal court
However, a Real ID is recommended for individuals who frequently:
- Fly commercially
- Visit nuclear sites or military bases
- Enter federal courthouses, prisons or other secure facilities
Passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages travelers to check before traveling so they do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent): Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., it must be Real ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with Real ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Without a Real ID or passport, individuals may still access these areas but could be required to show additional documentation.
How to get an N.C. Real ID
Real IDs cannot be obtained online. First-time applicants must visit a driver’s license office in person, where required documents will be scanned and stored per federal law.
Appointments can be made online, and new time slots are added daily. When booking your appointment, choose “Duplicate License” unless you are also renewing. Be sure to notify the examiner that you want a Real ID.
The cost is the same as a standard license or ID. If you’re applying outside of your renewal period, the fee matches that of a duplicate license, and a new photo is required. No tests are needed. If you apply within six months of your license expiring, the process is treated like a renewal and includes a vision test and new photo.
Applying for a North Carolina license or ID will cancel any valid credentials from other states through the State-to-State Verification program.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit ncdot.gov.