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North Carolina Residents: Need to Know About REAL ID Before May 7, 2025
North Carolina -- Starting May 7, 2025, North Carolina residents will need a REAL ID or another form of federally approved identification
to board domestic flights, enter certain federal facilities, and access military bases. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to present a valid U.S. passport or another accepted document for these activities.
Where You’ll Need a REAL ID
Domestic Air Travel – Required for boarding commercial flights within the United States.
Accessing Federal Facilities – Needed to enter federal buildings where identification is required.
Entering Military Bases – Required for gaining access to military installations.
Accessing Federal Facilities – Needed to enter federal buildings where identification is required.
Entering Military Bases – Required for gaining access to military installations.
Where a REAL ID Is Not Required
Voting in elections
Driving (standard NC driver’s licenses remain valid for driving)
Applying for federal benefits (e.g., Social Security, VA benefits)
Entering post offices, hospitals, or federal courthouses
Traveling by train, bus, or driving across state lines
Crossing international borders (A passport or Enhanced Driver’s License is required instead)
Applying for a North Carolina REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) office in person. You cannot apply online due to federal document verification requirements.
Driving (standard NC driver’s licenses remain valid for driving)
Applying for federal benefits (e.g., Social Security, VA benefits)
Entering post offices, hospitals, or federal courthouses
Traveling by train, bus, or driving across state lines
Crossing international borders (A passport or Enhanced Driver’s License is required instead)
Applying for a North Carolina REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) office in person. You cannot apply online due to federal document verification requirements.
Required Documents for a REAL ID
Y
Y
ou must bring the following original or certified documents:
Proof of Identity and Date of Birth
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
Certified birth certificate
Proof of Social Security Number
Certified birth certificate
Proof of Social Security Number
Social Security card
W-2 or 1099 form displaying your full SSN
Two Proofs of North Carolina Residency
W-2 or 1099 form displaying your full SSN
Two Proofs of North Carolina Residency
Utility bill
Bank statement
Housing lease agreement or mortgage statement
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
Bank statement
Housing lease agreement or mortgage statement
Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Proof of Lawful Status (if not a U.S. citizen)
Proof of Lawful Status (if not a U.S. citizen)
Green card, valid visa with supporting documents, or other DHS-approved paperwork
Proof of Liability Insurance
Proof of Liability Insurance
Insurance policy or card from a licensed provider
Steps to Obtain Your N.C. REAL ID
Gather the required documents – Ensure you have the originals or certified copies.
Schedule an appointment – While walk-ins are allowed, scheduling an appointment at an NCDMV office can reduce wait times.
Visit an NCDMV office – Bring all necessary documents to complete the application process.
Checking Walk-In Wait Times
You can check the walk-in wait times online. You may have to keep checking for availability or visit a driver’s license office without an appointment. You can check the walk-in wait times online right here.
Schedule an appointment – While walk-ins are allowed, scheduling an appointment at an NCDMV office can reduce wait times.
Visit an NCDMV office – Bring all necessary documents to complete the application process.
Checking Walk-In Wait Times
You can check the walk-in wait times online. You may have to keep checking for availability or visit a driver’s license office without an appointment. You can check the walk-in wait times online right here.
Why Get a REAL ID Now?
Although the deadline is May 7, 2025, applying early ensures you won’t experience delays or last-minute processing issues. Without a REAL ID, you will need to carry an alternative federally accepted identification, such as a passport, for air travel and federal facility access.
For more details or to schedule an appointment, visit ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
