News

Federally endorsed REAL ID available at DMV

By David Uchiyama, NCDOT, Published: November 28, 2017

SYLVA – Jack Debnam smiled for the camera and nodded that the picture is a keeper. Debnam, an N.C. Department of Transportation Board Member representing the 10 westernmost counties, doesn’t have an Instagram account, or post or Twitter account, or routinely participate in selfies. His latest picture is for his new N.C REAL ID.

Debnam and Acting Division 14 Engineer Brian Burch each spent 10 minutes on Monday at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Sylva applying for the new identification card, which will be mailed to them in about 10 business days.

“It’s so easy that even I can figure it out,” Debnam quipped. “I had all of my papers, brought them in, took a picture and I’m good to go.”

N.C. REAL ID is a single form of identification that will allow cardholders to enter airport security checkpoints and meets federal requirements for visiting military bases, nuclear power plants and other federal facilities.

The N.C. REAL ID is a traditional North Carolina license or ID with an additional gold star endorsement at the top. The federal REAL ID Act established the requirements and the program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Without a REAL ID, travelers will have to provide additional identification to fly and visit other federal facilities beginning in 2020.

Debnam became the 398th person and Burch the 399th person to receive their REAL ID from the Sylva office.

More than 10,000 North Carolina residents have been issued the new identification at one of the eight nine westernmost offices since May 1. To schedule an appointment for priority service, visit or call any driver license office. Visit www.NCRealID.gov for a complete list of verification documents needed for new identification.