Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) "We've been quite busy," said Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns, on WBEN Monday. "We've been doing outreaches, mobile events, so many things to prepare for this."
Wednesday, May 7 is the day that enforcement of REAL ID will begin for domestic flights in the U.S.
"All of our appointments are taken through Wednesday of this week. Walk-ins are going to be waiting for quite some time. We might even have to turn some people away."
Because of the surge in REAL ID transactions, Kearns has the Eastern Hills Mall DMV Branch is open today, May 5—from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm specifically for vehicle registrations, renewals and license plate surrenders.
For anyone going to a DMV branch to get a REAL ID, a reminder from Kearns that it requires original documentation, such as an original birth certificate, original social security card, and original marriage license.
"If you not planning to travel soon, you don't need to get this done by Wednesday. My message is, if you can wait past Wednesday, please wait."
If you already have a New York State Driver's License (marked by a black star) or an Enhanced ID (featuring a U.S. flag), you are REAL ID compliant and do not need to upgrade.
Kearns said he hopes things will calm down soon, but expects local offices to be busy throughout the month of May.
"We've had a few people fly in from New York City because they couldn't get an appointment in the five Burroughs."
Some of our listeners have asked if a passport is acceptable, and what about a Nexus card?
"Yes and yes," he said. "Both a valid passport and Nexus card are acceptable forms of REAL ID."