Across the country, state agencies are stretching resources thin to meet demand. In New Jersey, for example, appointment slots for REAL ID services have vanished quickly in recent weeks, with the state’s website frequently displaying “0 appointments available.”
In response, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission launched “REAL ID Tuesdays” — a last-minute push promising 5,200 extra bi-weekly appointments ahead of the deadline.
Yet even with expanded hours and weekend events, many Americans remain stuck in limbo. Some married women, for instance, are reporting documentation issues tied to name changes. As one woman put it bluntly: “I can’t accept this.”
TSA Chief: “We Are Extremely Prepared”
Despite the chaos, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acting Administrator Adam Stahl remains confident.
“We are extremely prepared,” Stahl told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. “Every single state is in a different kind of area of progress for REAL ID compliance, but we are working aggressively with states, directly outreaching and connecting with them to ensure that they’re prepared for this.”
Still, the situation varies drastically depending on location.
State-by-State: A Patchwork of Progress
Some states are miles ahead. Nebraska, for instance, reports that of its 1.5 million driver’s license holders, all but 6,254 already have REAL IDs. Maryland and the District of Columbia also boast over 99% compliance.
Others are lagging. In Maine, only 27% of residents have upgraded to a REAL ID as of April 1, prompting officials to plead for a “phased-in” enforcement period.
“We’re issuing roughly 112 REAL IDs per hour across all of our branches,” Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during a recent press conference. But we need more time.
Meanwhile, Kentucky lawmakers are sounding the alarm. In a formal letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 28 state senators urged a deadline extension, citing long lines and overwhelmed DMV offices.
“Despite significant progress, Kentucky is simply not fully prepared for complete implementation,” the senators wrote. “It has also resulted in limited appointment availability and long wait times at many regional offices.”
What It Means for You: Long Lines and Potential Denials
TSA’s Stahl emphasized the high stakes for travelers who show up at airports without the proper ID.
“If travelers don’t have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification, they may be susceptible for additional wait times,” he warned. “And in some rare circumstances, [they may] be denied boarding.”
To prevent travel disruptions, the TSA is coordinating closely with every U.S. airport.
“Every airport is unique and different and they have different dynamics, configurations, wait times,” Stahl said.
“So we’re working extremely closely with them.”
The Final Push: Will It Be Enough?
With less than a week remaining, officials are encouraging Americans to act fast. Stahl praised states for going “above and beyond,” citing efforts like expanded weekend hours and unconventional scheduling.
“They’ve been incredibly supportive and helpful… to ensure we’re accommodating an increased surge in compliance,” he said.
Still, for millions of travelers, the clock is ticking and the window to avoid headaches at the gate is rapidly closing.
