NORTH CAROLINA -- Starting October 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board an airplane or visit a federal facility.

  • People won’t need a REAL ID driver’s license to drive, vote, or apply federal benefits
  • U.S. passports, U.S. military ID or a permanent resident card will be acceptable IDs for airport screening, if someone doesn’t have a REAL ID license
  • To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license in North Carolina, people must visit a DMV office

The change comes after U.S. Congress passed a law in 2005 requiring states to issue identification that meets higher security standards.

Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Sari Koshetz says the change will make traveling safer.

“We’ll know that you are who you say you are and not a terrorist," Koshetz said.

U.S. passports, U.S. military ID or a permanent resident card will be acceptable IDs for airport screening, if someone doesn’t have a REAL ID license.

According to Koshetz, 72 percent of the people in North Carolina don’t have a passport, which she says makes obtaining a real ID crucial for traveling.

"Don't be that person who shows up at that checkpoint on October 1st of 2020 and doesn't have a real ID, and find yourself with a non-refundable trip and you don't go on your vacation,” Koshetz said.

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Deputy Commissioner Karen Brown said 1.4 million North Carolina residents already have REAL IDs. However, she expects the department to be busy issuing 1.8 million more from now until October of next year, which is the reason she encourages people to apply for a REAL ID now.

“Plan your visit. Do it now. If you wait, you are going to experience long wait times while everybody is rushing to the DMV,” Brown said.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license in North Carolina, people must visit a DMV office and present one document proving identity, such as passport or birth certificate. In addition, they must provide a document confirming social security number, including social security card or W-2 form. Furthermore, they need to show two documents with current address to prove North Carolina residency, such as utility bills.

Brown says people will be able to make DMV appointments in the future. In addition, the department will open offices some Saturdays in the spring to help people obtain their REAL ID-compliant license.

People won’t need a REAL ID driver’s license to drive, vote, or apply federal benefits. For more information about obtaining a REAL ID, click here.