Image: NC DMV
With the federal implementation date of May 7, 2025, just around the corner, North Carolina officials are urging residents to obtain their Real IDs as soon as possible, as the IDs will be required for air travel and access to certain federal facilities after the deadline.
DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Congressman Wiley Nickel speak at a press conference on Tuesday, October 15 promoting Real ID (Photo: Ahmed Jallow)
On Tuesday, Wake County Congressman Wiley Nickel (D-13) joined DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin at a DMV office in Raleigh to raise awareness about the upcoming deadline. “I don’t want the folks that I represent in Congress to go to the airport and find that they’ve got a problem getting on their flight, and again, you need that real ID to travel,” said Nickel.
North Carolina has already issued about 4.5 million Real IDs over the last seven years, accounting for 47% of all IDs issued, according to Goodwin. Goodwin said the goal is to reach 50% before the May deadline.
According to Department of Homeland Security data from January, approximately 162 million Real ID-compliant cards have been issued nationwide, that’s about 56 percent of those carrying state-issued ID cards who need to be in compliance.
“Getting Real ID here in North Carolina is completely optional,” said Goodwin. “It is a smart idea to get one, but just want to remind folks it is completely optional.”
Nickel, who applied for his own Real ID on Tuesday, discussed plans to push for more federal funding for additional Saturday DMV office hours, particularly in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Federal grants are currently being used to keep 50 DMV offices across the state to extend their hours and open on Saturdays. Nickel said more is needed.
“We’ve got to increase that support and we’re also looking towards getting more Saturday office is open, especially ahead of this deadline,” said Nickel. “That’s something I’m going to be pushing for when I return to Congress.”
As of Tuesday, all but four driver license offices—Asheville, Burnsville, Marion, and Spruce Pine—have reopened following closures due to Hurricane Helene. Marion is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday.
The DMV said it has established a temporary credential pickup plan for residents in the region. Residents can pick up their driver’s licenses and ID cards at designated driver’s license offices.
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