GREENSBORO, N.C. — As the May 7 federal deadline approaches, many North Carolinians are rushing to the DMV to get their REAL ID—but not everyone needs one. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you’re already cleared for domestic flights and do not need a REAL ID for air travel.
Still, some residents say they’re opting to get one anyway, just to cover all their bases—especially with upcoming trips in mind.
Greensboro native Lillian Johnson arrived at the DMV at 7 a.m. But her visit didn’t go as smoothly as planned. After waiting in line for some time, she realized she had forgotten her birth certificate—one of the documents required to obtain a REAL ID. She returned home to get it, but by the time she came back, her spot in line was lost…