In anticipation of my driver’s license expiring on my upcoming January birthday, I scheduled an appointment to get it renewed and take care of getting a REAL ID. You’re probably aware that the government has set October 2020 as the date to have either a REAL ID or Passport to board a domestic flight. Obviously, the REAL ID is far easier than carrying one’s passport around.
After waiting two months for my designated appointment, I showed up with my driver’s license and passport but neglected to bring two other forms of identification — mainly my social security card and perhaps a utility bill or something of that nature. I renewed my license but was not able to secure the REAL ID. The good news is the total time spent at the DMV was just 45 minutes. But –and don’t tell my hubby who asked if I was all prepared — a return trip is required.
Not wanting to wait, I went online to make another appointment. You’ll never guess the outcome: They DON’T want me back until earliest 2022!! Why is that?? Well, my newly renewed license expires in 2025 and my Passport in 2027. So this was their response:
Your federal identification is valid through at least 2022, and you may use it to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal offices. We recommend holding off getting a REAL ID until your state or federal identification expires, whichever comes first.
Considering getting it now anyway?
We admire your enthusiasm! However, we expect demand for REAL ID to be very high in the next two years, and we are asking those whose REAL ID needs are not urgent to please wait so that we may serve urgent needs first. We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and patience.
As much as I WANT to believe this, I’m not even sure I can safely rely on the response. As the hubby said (I did tell him), you’re going to trust this information as gospel? Hmmm, what would you do??
