CT DMV Expands Access to REAL ID Services

CT DMV Expands Access to REAL ID Services

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 28, 2025

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHILCES EXPANDS ACCESS TO REAL ID SERVICES  

 

WETHERSFIELD, CT - The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has actively promoted the REAL ID deadline, imposed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), since 2011, and is proud to report that more than 2.1 million Connecticut residents are REAL ID ready. 

Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will require a REAL ID compliant form of identification before flying domestically. To better serve Connecticut residents the DMV made the decision to open its doors on Mondays beginning April 7, 2025, to accommodate residents who have delayed in obtaining a REAL ID.

“It’s human nature to wait until the last minute,” said DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “We’re doing our best to accommodate everyone who has waited until the deadline – and I would like to thank the staff at the DMV for their recent efforts which have enabled our agency to open on Mondays.”

 

Monday appointments are reserved for residents who need to obtain a REAL ID.

 

Additionally, the DMV will accommodate residents who are not REAL ID ready but have impending plans to fly domestically. Residents who are not REAL ID ready but have plans to travel by air within the next 30-days, can visit any DMV location for same-day service. Residents will be required to show proof of an upcoming flight prior to receiving service at a DMV location. Flights must be departing within the next 30-days to receive same-day service. 

 

Residents who require same-day service can expect longer than usual wait times.

 

“Our appointment system is updated in real-time,” said Guerrera. “In some cases, we may be able to find a next-day appointment, reducing the customer’s actual wait time. Our goal is to ensure everyone who needs a REAL ID has access to one.” 

 

The DMV would like to remind residents that a U.S. passport can be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID driver’s license or ID. For a complete list of acceptable forms of identification that can be used when traveling by air, visit tsa.gov. 

 

The DMV emphasizes that having a REAL ID is not required for driving purposes; motorists can drive freely across state lines with a valid state driver’s license. 


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