Real ID deadline approaching May 7th

Officials warn travelers could face delays or be turned away at TSA checkpoints after May 7

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The federal Real ID deadline is less than a month away, and Kentuckians are being urged to update their driver’s licenses if they plan to fly out of U.S. airports.

Starting May 7th, officials say travelers will need a Real ID  license, marked by a black star at the top, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.

Long lines at driver’s license service centers are being reported as people race to meet the nationwide deadline.

Lori Weaver-Hawkins, a spokesperson for AAA Bluegrass, said that while appointment slots are filling quickly, there are still options for those willing to travel.

“Those offices are very busy with appointments right now, but I remind people you don’t necessarily need to go to the county or the area that you are. You can drive further if you need to, if you can get an appointment that works for you,” said Weaver-Hawkins

Even if you’ve recently renewed your license, you might not be in the clear.

“I had a gentleman the other day, asking about it, and he said ‘well I just got mine,’ and I said ‘well that’s good,’” Weaver-Hawkins said. “But it turned out he hadn’t, he just renewed his license and thought that by renewing his license he automatically got the Real ID, but that’s not the case, so people need to be aware of that. Real ID is a little bit of a different process,” said Weaver-Hawkins

After the May 7th deadline, travelers without Real ID-compliant credentials could be delayed at TSA checkpoints, or denied boarding.

“TSA has kind of, I believe, made different statements, whether it’s you know it would end up being a very long process, which some people that might mean they miss that flight, or they deny you altogether,” Weaver-Hawkins said.

Officials are also reminding residents not to forget their required documents when they show up for appointments. Without the correct paperwork, applicants will be turned away.

For more information on what to bring to your Real ID appointment, visit this link.