Is It Panic Time If You Still Need A MA Real ID To Travel By May 7 Deadline?

MASSACHUSETTS — Some Massachusetts residents with travel plans next month may be starting to get antsy if they still don't have a Real ID and are unable to get an appointment through their nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Those who waited for the "gold star" ID — which will soon be required to enter certain government buildings and travel domestically — recently logged on for an appointment and were greeted with wait times of up to two months or more amid the ID crunch.

• REAL ID Deadline For MA Residents Coming Soon: What You Need To Know

But the RMV is making in-person exceptions for those where getting a Real ID might be turning into an emergency more than a half-decade after the program — which was delayed several times, including during the COVID-19 health crisis — was first put in place.

"For customers who do not have a valid form of federally acceptable ID and have travel plans scheduled in the near future, the Registry is currently accepting walk-ins for REAL ID transactions at all service centers," the RMV said in a notice to customers. "If a customer who walks in for a REAL ID transaction cannot be helped immediately, a service center staff member will see if another time slot may be available later that same day or scheduled over the next several days. "

Those residents are "strongly encouraged" to go online here to learn what documents are needed for a required in-person appointment.

Customers should also be aware that it can take 10 to 14 business days from the day of their appointment to receive their RMV credential in the mail.

Massachusetts has more than three million credentials being REAL ID-compliant.

"As we get closer to May 7, we are very pleased to see more and more residents coming in for a REAL ID-compliant credential. For those who haven’t, there is no need to panic," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. "Up to and beyond May 7, the Registry will continue to process REAL ID transactions.

"We are increasing our capacity at our service centers, and we are also accepting walk-ins for individuals who have imminent travel plans that require a REAL ID. Meanwhile, we urge everyone to become familiar with the required documentation, so they know what they need to bring with them when applying for the REAL ID."

REAL ID-compliant credential is the same as obtaining or renewing the equivalent non-compliant credential:

• The fee for renewing a non-commercial standard or a REAL ID driver's license is $50.
• The fee for renewing a Mass ID is $25.
• The amendment fee for upgrading to REAL ID credential before an existing credential's expiration is $25.
• Customers with a less than five-year stay in the U.S. pay a prorated fee.

For anyone who does not have imminent travel plans, appointments can be scheduled by visiting the RMV's Online Service Center or if you are a AAA member here.