PARKVILLE, Md. — The federal requirement for a REAL ID has a deadline of October 2020, if you want to fly or get into federal buildings. So there has been an influx of people going to the MVA.
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"We're looking to be creative; this is a one time federal requirement, and we want to offer as many options for our customers," said Chrissy Nizer, the administrator for MDOT MVA.
They added two trailers outside the Parkville MVA office which doubles the amount of people they can see in that area every day.
Now, each week they can take more than 3,500 appointments. They also offer extended hours at all offices on Thursdays and now in Essex they have extended hours on Tuesdays. The extended hours are until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and until 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Nizer encourages everyone to make an appointment; you can get in and out in 15 minutes. Some offices are booked until late June. The Essex office has openings mid-June and the Parkville offices have openings now.
When you go to get your real ID, you need to bring four things with you. You need to have something showing your age and identity like a license, a form of social security (a W-2, 1099 or your social security card) and two federal proofs of residency.
Even though the deadline isn't until 2020, some people need to go to the MVA sooner.
"I have heard conflicting reports about when it's due. Some people at work saying you have until June or July," said Jeff Darchicourt. He added, "the state needs to clear up the confusion." Darchicourt was at the Essex MVA on Tuesday night using the quick kiosk.
Nizer said there are about a million people who have to come in earlier who don't have documents on file, which are needed to maintain REAL ID compliance. She said all those people have a new driver's license with a star and so far they've reached out to 80,000.
"If you have not gotten a notice from us you are not part of that initial group, we will be reaching out in rotating basis and we will give everyone six months," said Nizer.
To make an appointment or if you have any other questions, click here.
