The hidden REAL ID hassles facing airline travelers as states scramble to meet deadline

With the deadline for REAL ID approaching in less than a week, some states — and some people — may be more prepared than others. Americans have been speaking out about their experiences as they try to obtain a REAL ID.In some cases, people have chosen not to get the new form of identification. The REAL ID requirement takes effect May 7, when Americans must have the new identification in order to fly domestically.DMVs across the country are reportedly working to meet demand, with some implementing Saturday REAL ID events and extended appointment hours during the week.The New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV) website has shown “0 appointments available” on various days during the past weeks for REAL ID services on its site. In a last-minute push, Gov.

Phil Murphy (D) and the NJMVC announced the launch of “REAL ID Tuesdays” recently. The initiative will add 5,200 bi-weekly appointments before federal enforcement begins on May 7.New Jersey does have one of the highest numbers of residents who are passport holders, a TSA spokesperson shared.TSA Acting Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital in an interview, “We are extremely prepared.” “Every single state is in a different kind of area of progress for REAL ID compliance, but we are working aggressively with states, directly outreaching and connecting with them to ensure that they’re prepared for this,” said Stahl.                                                                                               In Nebraska, the state has a total of 1,551,554 driver’s license and ID holders, with 1,545,300 people holding REAL IDs — leaving just 6,254 with a non-compliant driver’s license, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles director, Rhonda Lahm, told Fox News Digital.Local lawmakers and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows in Maine recently requested a phased-in approach p...