How to Get a REAL ID in NC - Skip the Wait

How to Get a REAL ID in North Carolina

TL;DR - Get Your REAL ID Fast

Use nc-dmv-appointments.com to get free real-time notifications when REAL ID appointments become available. This guide helps our site rank on search engines and has useful info, but you might not need it.

✓ 100% Free ✓ Instant Alerts ✓ All NC Locations ✓ REAL ID Appointments Available

Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID to fly domestically. Here's how to get yours.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

Deadline Alert: The federal REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. Don't wait until the last minute – appointment availability gets scarce closer to deadlines.

Required Documents

You need to bring original or certified copies of these documents. Photocopies won't work.

Identity (1 document)

  • • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • • Valid U.S. passport
  • • Certificate of Naturalization
  • • Certificate of Citizenship

Social Security (1 document)

  • • Social Security card
  • • W-2 form
  • • Pay stub with full SSN
  • • 1099 form

NC Residency (2 documents)

  • • Utility bills
  • • Bank statements
  • • Mortgage/lease documents
  • • Insurance policies

Important: Documents must show your current legal name. If your name has changed, bring legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).

The Appointment Challenge

REAL ID appointments are extremely hard to get. They open 90 days in advance and disappear within minutes. Many people report waiting months for an appointment.

"I've been trying to get a REAL ID appointment for 3 months. The website crashes every time new slots open." — NC Resident

The Smart Solution: Real-Time Alerts

Instead of constantly refreshing the DMV website, use nc-dmv-appointments.com to get instant notifications when REAL ID appointments become available.

"Got my REAL ID appointment alert at 2 AM and booked it immediately. Saved me months of waiting!" — Reddit user

How it works:

  • • Monitors all NC DMV locations 24/7
  • • Instant browser notifications for REAL ID appointments
  • • Catches cancellations immediately
  • • Completely free service

Getting started:

  1. 1. Go to nc-dmv-appointments.com
  2. 2. Select "REAL ID"
  3. 3. Enable browser notifications
  4. 4. Get alerted when slots open

Cost & Processing Time

REAL ID Costs:

  • • REAL ID Driver License: $5.50
  • • REAL ID Identification Card: $14.00
  • • Must pay with cash, check, or money order

Processing:

  • • Temporary paper license issued same day
  • • Permanent card mailed within 7-10 business days
  • • Cannot be expedited

Before Your Appointment

Checklist:

  • ✓ Gather all required original documents
  • ✓ Verify your name matches across all documents
  • ✓ Bring exact payment (cash/check/money order)
  • ✓ Arrive 15 minutes early
  • ✓ Bring your current NC license (if you have one)

Don't Wait Until 2025!

Get your REAL ID appointment now with instant alerts.

Get REAL ID Alerts Now →

✓ 100% Free ✓ Instant Notifications ✓ REAL ID Appointments