October 1 was supposed to have been the start date for enforcing the federal government's stricter identification requirements, but North Carolinians still have a year to obtain REAL IDs.
To board domestic flights or enter federal facilities people would have needed a passport or REAL ID which is a driver's license or state ID card with a gold star indicating that it meets the new federal standards.
Back in May of 2017, when they were first issued, estimates were that close to 4 million people would attempt to get one before this week, but the current total is roughly half that number. As the DMV began closing or restricting access to more than half of its offices back in March to control the spread of coronavirus, governors and others sought more time.
The News and Observer reports that as of Wednesday, roughly 90% of the state's license offices are now open. Individuals now have until October 2021 — twelve months from now — to make an appointment and enhance their state ID.
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