Americans grounded without REAL ID, long DMV waits turn to other options

Americans coast to coast are rushing to obtain REAL IDS while multiple motor conveyance bureaus are grappling to accommodate appointments With the deadline of May approaching air travelers at domestic airports and people entering various federal buildings must have a REAL ID Specific Americans are considering alternatives if they're struggling to get DMV appointments to obtain the new identification REAL ID APPOINTMENTS ADDED AS NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO GET NEW IDENTIFICATIONOn Monday in New Jersey the Department of Motor Vehicles NJDMV website presented appointments available for REAL ID services on its site it has now added additional time slots Virginia DMVs have launched Saturday events for people to get their REAL IDs while chosen offices in California have extended their hours Other identification forms that will be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID are a valid U S passport or passport card DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry Department of Defense IDs permanent resident cards and demarcation journeying cards For those who do not have those IDs on hand certain AAA branches in six states are offering services to get a REAL ID NO 'REAL ID' APPOINTMENTS OPEN IN NEW JERSEY AS RESIDENTS SOUND OFF GET WITH THE TIMES NJ' In Massachusetts Rhode Island and New York DMV RMV services at AAA branches are free for all AAA members the AAA site notes In Connecticut AAA members from outside AAA Northeast territory pay for DMV services and non-members pay the site adds The site says there is no additional cost for the REAL ID itself If not at renewal only the standard duplicate license fees would apply states the site AAA offers DMV services in states ranging from automobile registrations titling tags license renewals issuing new licenses and or REAL ID an AAA spokesperson reported Fox News Digital on Wednesday Of those states states offer REAL ID services FL KS MA MN OH and RI Regulations regarding private organizations offering DMV services and what type of services offered vary by state the spokesperson added AAA does not have plans to roll out DMV services in additional states the organization reported CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe processing time for an expedited passport is two to three weeks with additional fees according to the State Department's website Countless Americans have taken to social media to share their frustrations with a few seeking more alternatives The REAL ID situation in Kentucky is such a sh--show that I m entirely bypassing it and just getting a passport next week a man posted on X To all the PANICANS you do NOT need a REAL ID if you have a passport posted one X user Another user responded That's what I did Got the passport card in addition to my book and I just carry that For more Lifestyle articles visit foxnews com lifestyle I m in SC and it was easier getting a passport shared one X user A woman on X shared Not everyone wants or requirements a REAL ID A passport or passport card less expensive can be used for domestic air excursion and entrance to restricted federal buildings If you need to switch and the DMV is too crazy where you are just apply for a passport with the passport card and you can use that instead advised one user A man posted Use your passport It works when you don't have a REAL ID yet