The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced a change in procedure for customers requiring a Real ID due to upcoming flight plans. Starting May 5, individuals with flights scheduled within the next 45 days can use walk-in hours from Monday to Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at designated DMV offices in Reno, Carson City, Sahara, Flamingo, Decatur, and Henderson. Proof of a commercial flight will be required for each visitor.
The Real ID Act, enacted in 2005, mandates that compliant driver's licenses and ID cards display a star in the upper right-hand corner. The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been pushed back several times, but the upcoming deadline on May 7 is now firm, according to the DMV.
DMV Director Tonya Laney noted the growing concern among Nevada residents: "There are many misconceptions about who needs a Real ID, and customers who assumed the date would move again were not worried about the previous deadlines. Well, we are now seeing panic creep in amongst Nevadans who are trying to get their Real IDs. This is a problem for the rest of the customers in the state who already had appointments to get their regular DMV business done."
To manage the increased demand for Real IDs, the DMV began allowing walk-ins as of April 22 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Combined with appointments, April saw approximately 46,770 customers seeking Real IDs, according to DMV data.
Laney offered reassurance to those not requiring a Real ID for immediate needs, stating: "If you do not have a need to board a commercial aircraft, enter a secure military facility or nuclear power plant, please do not panic! Your existing driver license, ID card or instruction permit is still a valid document for all other purposes."
The DMV advises individuals holding an unexpired military ID or passport not to visit the DMV immediately, as these documents are still acceptable at TSA checkpoints.