Real ID deadline fast approaching; ND DOT provides update

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The North Dakota DOT is encouraging people to get their Real ID because the deadline is quickly approaching. Without one, people won’t be able to board a plane or enter certain federal buildings.

To get a Real ID, you need extra documents to make it more secure, harder to counterfeit and to help get rid of fraud.

Some of those documents include a birth certificate, a passport, a social security card, a W2 Form and there are more requirements.

People can also fill out a pre-application to make it faster, and then the process will take around ten minutes.

62 percent of North Dakotans have gotten the REAL ID so far, while 58 percent have nationwide.

“We’re trending just slightly above the national average, and we want that number to go higher as we get closer to May 7. So, we really are encouraging people to come in now when it’s not as busy,” said Brad Schaffer, director of the Motor Vehicle Division.

He said optional standard IDs can still be issued, but it is recommended people have one.

“If there’s an emergency and you have to get on an airplane quick, and you do not have the right documents, you will not get on the plane after May 7, 2025,” said  Schaffer.

He said last week, TSA announced they were not going to be moving the deadline.

“In years past, it’s always been extended, and people maybe have been getting used to that. But now they said, you know, because of that reason, they are not going to move it anymore, and that date is going to stick,” said Schaffer.

He said now there is more of a sense of urgency.

Schaffer said if you have a name change from your birth certificate they will need additional documents for the Real ID.

Previous Coverage:

• Real ID deadline set for North Dakota driver’s licenses
• Countdown to REAL ID enforcement

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