Most states require an appointment for Real ID, but a few still accept walk-ins at certain locations

Whether you need an appointment depends on your state's DMV or licensing agency. The majority of states now require you to book a time slot in advance — sometimes weeks ahead — but a handful still allow walk-ins at some or all of their offices. A few states offer both options depending on the location or the time of day. The fastest way to know what your state requires is to visit your state's DMV website directly and look for "Real ID appointment" or "Real ID walk-in" in the search box.

If your state requires appointments, you will typically book online through the DMV's website or by phone. Some states let you choose your preferred date and time; others assign you the next available slot. Walk-in states usually post current wait times online so you can decide whether to show up or come back later. Either way, you will need to bring the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence — so preparation is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to book a Real ID appointment in advance through the DMV website or phone line, and wait times can be several weeks.
  • A small number of states still accept walk-ins at some or all DMV locations, though you may face a long wait on busy days.
  • Your state's DMV website will clearly state whether appointments are required, recommended, or not needed at each location.
  • Bring the same documents whether you have an appointment or walk in: proof of identity, residence, Social Security number, and citizenship or lawful presence.
  • If your state requires appointments and none are available for weeks, check whether a different location or a different date range opens up sooner.

How to learn about your state requires an appointment

Go directly to your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles website. Look for a section labeled "Real ID," "REAL ID appointments," or "How to get Real ID." Most state sites have a prominent link or search function. If the site is hard to navigate, call your state's DMV customer service line — the number is on the website — and ask whether appointments are required for Real ID at your nearest office.

Some states distinguish between different types of transactions. For example, a state might require appointments for Real ID but allow walk-ins for license renewals. Make sure you are looking at the Real ID section specifically, not general license information. If your state's website is unclear, ask the phone representative whether you can walk in or must book ahead, and whether all locations have the same policy or if it varies by office.

States that currently require Real ID appointments

The majority of U.S. states now require advance appointments for Real ID. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list changes as states update their policies, so check your state's website to confirm the current requirement.

When a state requires appointments, the DMV usually opens booking slots several weeks in advance. Some states release new appointment slots on a rolling basis — for example, opening the next 30 days of appointments every Monday morning. Others release all slots for a quarter or a month at once. If no appointments are available in your area, check back frequently or look for openings at a different DMV location, even if it is farther away. Some people find that traveling to a less busy office can cut their wait time significantly.

States that still allow walk-ins for Real ID

A small number of states permit walk-ins at some or all DMV locations. These include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming — though policies vary by location and can change. Some of these states allow walk-ins only at certain offices or only during certain hours. For example, a state might accept walk-ins before 9 a.m. but require appointments after that, or allow walk-ins at rural offices but not at busy urban ones.

If your state is on this list, check your specific DMV location's hours and walk-in policy before you go. Many walk-in states post wait times online so you can decide whether to come in now or return later. Bring all required documents with you, because you will not have time to go home and retrieve something you forgot. On busy days — typically early in the week or near the end of the month — walk-in wait times can be several hours.

What to do if appointments are booked out in your area

If your state requires appointments and none are available for weeks, you have several options. First, check whether a different DMV location in your state has earlier openings. Some offices are less busy than others, and you may be able to get an appointment days or weeks sooner by traveling to a different city. Second, check back frequently — many states release new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations open up slots throughout the day.

Third, call your state's DMV directly and ask whether there is a waitlist or a priority process for people who need an appointment urgently. Some states will move you up the queue if you have a specific reason — for example, if you have an upcoming flight and need Real ID before then. Fourth, confirm that you actually need Real ID by the date you think you do. Real ID is required for domestic flights and federal building access starting May 7, 2025, but if you have a passport or other federally approved ID, you may not need Real ID at all.

Preparing your documents before your appointment or walk-in visit

Gather your documents before you go, whether you have an appointment or are walking in. You will need proof of identity (a current driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of citizenship or lawful presence (a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or visa). Make copies of everything and bring the originals.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because some states are stricter than others. For example, some states accept a cell phone bill as proof of residence; others do not. Some accept a passport card; others require a full passport. Having the wrong documents will waste your appointment slot or add hours to your walk-in wait. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the DMV ahead of time and ask.

How long the Real ID process takes on the day of your visit

With an appointment, the process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from the time you are called, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. You will fill out an process, have your photo taken, pay the fee (which varies by state, typically $20 to $50), and receive a temporary Real ID document or a receipt. Your actual Real ID card will arrive by mail in 1 to 4 weeks.

Without an appointment, the time you spend waiting depends on how many people are ahead of you. On a slow day, you might be seen in 30 minutes. On a busy day, you could wait 2 to 4 hours. Once you are called, the transaction itself takes about the same time as an appointment. Bring something to do while you wait — a book, phone, or laptop — because DMV waiting areas are rarely comfortable or entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Real ID appointment online or do I have to call?

Most states allow you to book online through their DMV website, which is usually faster than calling. Some states offer both options. A few states require you to call. Check your state's DMV website to see which method is available in your state.

What if I miss my Real ID appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you will usually lose that slot and have to book a new one. Some states allow you to reschedule online; others require you to call. Check your confirmation email or your state's DMV website for instructions on how to reschedule. Booking a new appointment may take weeks depending on availability.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my license at the same time as getting Real ID?

In most states, you can combine a license renewal with a Real ID upgrade in a single visit. The appointment requirement is the same — if your state requires appointments for Real ID, you will need one for the combined transaction. Check your state's website to confirm whether you can do both at once.

Can someone else go to my Real ID appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your Real ID appointment. The DMV will take your photo and verify your identity, so a representative cannot do this on your behalf. If you cannot make your appointment, you must reschedule for a time when you can attend.

What if I do not have all my documents ready for my appointment?

Do not go to your appointment without all required documents. You will be turned away and lose your appointment slot. Gather everything ahead of time and call the DMV if you are unsure whether a document is acceptable. It is better to reschedule than to waste your appointment.