How ineffective is government? Ask someone trying to get a Real ID

The Real ID deadline is approaching and many Americans are finding out just how ill-equipped their local governments are to handle the demand.

Beginning May 7, domestic air travel as well as entering some federal buildings will require the use of a Real ID as the accepted form of identification. Unfortunately for the citizens of New Jersey, their local Department of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV) website indicated that there are exactly “0 appointments available” for Real ID services.

Compare this to other available appointments for license renewal (51,809), transferring driver’s licenses from out of state (34,155) and non-driver IDs (13,243). If you’re lucky enough to have your license renewal fall within the renewal period, you can book an appointment for a Real ID upgrade.

On Monday, the NJDMV’s automated voice service provided little help.

“As seen in states across the country, the demand for Real ID now is extraordinarily high ahead of the start of federal enforcement in May,” it says, according to Fox News. “The upcoming enforcement date is most relevant for those New Jerseyans who plan to fly domestically in the short term and do not have a form of identification that will meet federal Real ID requirements.”

“The NJMVC is processing record numbers of in-person transactions, especially Real IDs, and we continue to evaluate our operations and capacity each week, looking to add as many appointments for Real ID as possible,” said a spokesperson for the NJDMW said.

“As of Monday, the NJDMW had issued 1,381,916 REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital,” the outlet reported.

For those experiencing difficulty getting their Real ID, valid passports can also be used for domestic flights and entering federal facilities.

“Some AAA branch offices that offer DMV services can also issue Real IDs. We recommend calling the AAA branch office in your local area to determine if those services are available,” offered a AAA spokesperson. “The process is the same as it is at the DMV. However, there may be greater access to appointments at AAA branch offices. It also varies by location, but in some cases, these services are only available to AAA members.”

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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