Nevada residents who are planning to fly within the next 45 days and do not yet have a Real ID can now visit selected DMV offices in Las Vegas without an appointment to obtain one. Starting Monday, the DMV will accommodate walk-ins at the Sahara, Flamingo, Decatur, and Henderson locations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Those opting for this service must provide proof of an upcoming flight within the next 45 days to be eligible for a Real ID.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, mandates that these IDs contain a gold circle or Nevada shape with a star in the upper right corner. The deadline for obtaining a Real ID has been extended multiple times but is now approaching quickly, creating a rush among residents who still need one.
DMV Director Tonya Laney noted that many residents believed the deadline might be extended again, leading to last-minute demand. The DMV’s recent decision to extend walk-in hours follows an earlier attempt to manage demand by opening walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour in the afternoon.
Currently, 80% of Nevada residents are compliant with Real ID requirements. However, the DMV has recently seen a surge of 46,770 customers needing Real IDs, as both appointments and walk-ins seek to meet the deadline.
For those who do not need to fly, enter secure military facilities, or access nuclear power plants, a Real ID is not immediately necessary. Existing driver’s licenses and ID cards remain valid for other purposes.