My S-I-L is panicked...can't get appointment for REAL ID to fly to see us in two weeks!!

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

She went today...took the whole day off......she only managed a Driver's License ID (near Hartford, CT)
(They simply don't tell you EVERYTHING you need). BTW, she has no current Passport.

She is panicking, because the next available appointment is a few days AFTER she has come to visit.

She has her tickets purchased, is interested in acquiring a refund.

I told her that is a poor option. I want her (and me) to concentrate on getting her onto that plane flight, with a guarantee of her getting on the return flight (Savannah) the following week.

Suggestions for her to get through TSA .......especially if she does not acquire a Real ID...thanks.

 

[Pennytx]

Bring confirmation of your travel plans to the passport office
You can pay an expedition fee to have it done immediately
You can also pay a firm to expedite your passport
I have used passport plus in the past
They are excellent and highly efficient

 

[HitchHiker71]

CT state offers emergency same day Real ID services at local DMV locations with proof of a domestic flight within 30 days according to their website:

https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-news/ct-dmv-expands-access-to-real-id-services CT DMV Expands Access to REAL ID Services

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

Thanks for reply..

This is a domestic flight....so seemingly doesn't NEED a Passport.
But, what you are suggesting may be the best option??

Are you saying that the process of getting a Passport (and the appointment that would be necessary)..... might be easier than getting a Real ID (with that appointment date NOT working as of today)?
(that would surprise me....but if that works....we will try that).

Hartford to Savannah, and returning a week later, early July.....

 

[claraj]

I also thought you can still fly (for now) without a Real ID but may have to go to a different line for additional screening.

** Edit - They will not let you fly if your identity can not be confirmed. I guess there’s no guarantee you can get on the flight. So this would not be ideal.

 

[Pennytx]

A passport is good for a ten year period
It would solve the problem long term and is easily expedited with a small fee
Above this post was an excellent answer also

 

[artringwald]

She went today...took the whole day off......she only managed a Driver's License ID (near Hartford, CT)
(They simply don't tell you EVERYTHING you need). BTW, she has no current Passport.

She is panicking, because the next available appointment is a few days AFTER she has come to visit.

She has her tickets purchased, is interested in acquiring a refund.

I told her that is a poor option. I want her (and me) to concentrate on getting her onto that plane flight, with a guarantee of her getting on the return flight (Savannah) the following week.

Suggestions for her to get through TSA .......especially if she does not acquire a Real ID...thanks.

According to the CT.gov web site, you don't need an appointment if you can prove you're flying in the next 30 day.:

DMV to Offer Additional Services for REAL ID Customers​

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is offering extended services for customers seeking to apply for a REAL ID:

Walk-in Services Available for Residents Flying in the Next 30 Days

DMV will accommodate residents who are not REAL ID ready but have impending plans to fly domestically. Residents who are not REAL ID ready but have plans to travel by air within the next 30-days, can visit any DMV location for same-day service. Residents will be required to show proof of an upcoming flight prior to receiving service at a DMV location. Flights must be departing within the next 30-days to receive same-day service.

Monday, May 12: Four DMV Offices Open for REAL ID Services

The following DMV offices will open on Monday, May 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for appointments and walk-in REAL ID services**:

• Bridgeport
• Hamden
• New Britain
• Norwich

**Residents will be required to show proof of an upcoming flight.

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

According to the CT.gov web site, you don't need an appointment if you can prove you're flying in the next 30 day.:

DMV to Offer Additional Services for REAL ID Customers​

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is offering extended services for customers seeking to apply for a REAL ID:

Walk-in Services Available for Residents Flying in the Next 30 Days

DMV will accommodate residents who are not REAL ID ready but have impending plans to fly domestically. Residents who are not REAL ID ready but have plans to travel by air within the next 30-days, can visit any DMV location for same-day service. Residents will be required to show proof of an upcoming flight prior to receiving service at a DMV location. Flights must be departing within the next 30-days to receive same-day service.

Monday, May 12: Four DMV Offices Open for REAL ID Services

The following DMV offices will open on Monday, May 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for appointments and walk-in REAL ID services**:

• Bridgeport
• Hamden
• New Britain
• Norwich

**Residents will be required to show proof of an upcoming flight.

Is this info current? It seems to apply to a makeshift alternative at the deadline in MAY.

It mentions May 12......a date in vicinity of when the CHANGE was going to take place.

We are now in mid/late June....does that info from MAY still apply?

 

[davidvel]

Is this info current? It seems to apply to a makeshift alternative at the deadline in MAY.

It mentions May 12......a date in vicinity of when the CHANGE was going to take place.

We are now in mid/late June....does that info from MAY still apply?

When is the flight? Even if she went in on Friday (closed tomorrow), it takes 2-3 weeks to get the actual ID.

I can't imagine if she just got a new DL today that TSA would be unable to verify her identity:

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration

The TSA Identification Requirements page outlines acceptable forms of ID for travelers at airport security checkpoints.

www.tsa.gov

 

[artringwald]

Is this info current? It seems to apply to a makeshift alternative at the deadline in MAY.

It mentions May 12......a date in vicinity of when the CHANGE was going to take place.

We are now in mid/late June....does that info from MAY still apply?

I copied the info from the CT.gov web site this evening. I can't tell if they left an outdated page.

REAL ID additional hours

portal.ct.gov

 

[joestein]

IT is virtually impossible to get an appointment for REAL ID in NJ, unless you have a renewal for a license.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Is this info current? It seems to apply to a makeshift alternative at the deadline in MAY.

It mentions May 12......a date in vicinity of when the CHANGE was going to take place.

We are now in mid/late June....does that info from MAY still apply?

Wouldn't it be better to pose that question to DMV instead of here?

 

[Carolinian]

A passport is sufficient as a Real ID to fly domestic flights. A passport may be quicker to get. There is a special issuance office for members of Congress that they can use for their constituents with a very quick turnaround. Try getting a passport and going through a congressman or senator. In North Carolina, one congressional office handles this for all of them.

 

[Patri]

People have had years to get a Real ID.

 

[beejaybee]

People have had years to get a Real ID.

True. But that doesn't help those who didn't think they'd ever need a Real ID and then suddenly they are s.o.l.!

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

True. But that doesn't help those who didn't think they'd ever need a Real ID and then suddenly they are s.o.l.!

Helpful advice given to me early in my career by the manager of the secretarial pool when I was pushing to get a document completed I should have given her several days earlier.

 

[rickandcindy23]

My DL expired in March, and I didn't have Real ID on the old one. The security people warned me a few times to get the new ID. I was glad the timing worked out on my new DL to get it barely under the wire. My old DL was very difficult to read, small letters on the license #.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

doesn't help those who didn't think they'd ever need a Real ID

2 things come to mind:
a) were they expecting to die in the next 6 months, 2 yrs ago?
b) talk about not understanding the USA society of the last 25 years!!!!! There is 1 direction. More govt. More intrusion. More monitoring.
Within 40 yrs, they will need a Real ID to shop for groceries

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

a) were they expecting to die in the next 6 months, 2 yrs ago?

I got my first passport long before I ever thought I would need one. Just because .. you never know.

So when DD announced her wedding plans for St. Maarten, I was in good shape, when other families members were stressing.

 

[SmithOp]

Reminds me of the commercials about old people, can't resist an opportunity to I Told You So...

 

[isisdave]

Well, here's what the TSA says.

So bring documentation (more than one) with name, photo, and current address. An expired passport if you have one. A birth certificate, and if your name doesn't match, a document showing why, like a marriage certificate. Maybe a social security card, or some document that shows the entire number, like a W2. Allow extra time. Be nice. It'll work out.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Well, here's what the TSA says.

View attachment 112241

So bring documentation (more than one) with name, photo, and current address. An expired passport if you have one. A birth certificate, and if your name doesn't match, a document showing why, like a marriage certificate. Maybe a social security card, or some document that shows the entire number, like a W2. Allow extra time. Be nice. It'll work out.

I'd say this should be a last resort. Some airports are so busy that they will not accommodate this process, I've had multiple folks I know that were turned away without a REAL ID compliant license despite the above, especially when TSA is short-staffed or during peak hours.

I'd take an "all of the above" approach. Pursue gettting an emergency expedited passport via the methods outlined above. Gather all documents, including proof of a flight within 30 days, and just show up at the DMV in person and stay as long as is needed to get a REAL ID. Then you have the last resort option depending upon TSA the day of travel of course, and show up four hours early (the maximum early time window if you're checking bags generally).

 

[Cornell]

Bring confirmation of your travel plans to the passport office
You can pay an expedition fee to have it done immediately
You can also pay a firm to expedite your passport
I have used passport plus in the past
They are excellent and highly efficient

You have to show proof of INTERNATIONAL travel to get an expedited passport.

 

[Cornell]

I got my first passport long before I ever thought I would need one. Just because .. you never know.

So when DD announced her wedding plans for St. Maarten, I was in good shape, when other families members were stressing.

Same and I have the passport card too as that is a GREAT form of ID to have .

 

[Cornell]

(They simply don't tell you EVERYTHING you need

I'm calling fake news on this. I got a real ID in two different states past 3 years. Plus assisted my daughter in getting her's in a 3rd state. All 3 state's websites list very clearly all the documentation which is required.