If you’re flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport — or any US airport — you’re now required to show aREAL ID or passport to board the plane.

City Editor Jack, here. Despite the extended REAL ID deadline, I, like many others, chose to cut it close. I understand everyone's story acquiring a REAL ID is different, but I hope my personal experience provides clarity about what to expect and how to prepare if you've yet to get a REAL ID.

Expect NCDMV to be on hand for questions about the virtual queue for REAL ID walk-in appointments. | Photo by CLTtoday

Realizing it was too late to book an appointment with the NCDMV — not a single opening was available near Charlotte — I decided to take a chance and brave the lines for a walk-in appointment on Tuesday, April 29.

Here's how it went...

7:04 a.m.

I arrived at the NCDMV at 201 W. Arrowood Rd., mentally prepared to spend my morning in line. A sign out front displayed a QR code for placement in the queue for walk-in appointments.

I followed the instructions per the sign and received a text message, informing me that the virtual queue for REAL IDs didn't open until 12 p.m., so waiting in a physical line wouldn't do anyone any good.

11:55 a.m.

While waiting in the DMV parking lot, I decided to enter my code a few minutes early to see what would happen. Good news: I successfully made it into the queue. Bad news: there were 87 people already ahead of me. At that point, it was me against the clock. Realizing I could do nothing but wait, I left to work and grab lunch nearby.

Pro tip: People in line are told to wait in their cars to avoid large crowds filling the lobby.

Like checking real-time scores on game day, I couldn't resist refreshing my phone every few minutes to see how many people remained ahead of me.love this analogy

2:18 p.m.

I received a text, alerting me that I could come to the lobby and wait for my number to be called.

Upon arrival, everyone needing a REAL ID must check in at the front desk to get their personal documentation approved.

Here are the required docs:

Driver's license
Passport
Birth certificate
Social security card

At this point, I learned walk-in appointments usually reach capacity by early afternoon + late arrivals are told to come back another day. So, it's critical to arrive at the NCDMV and sign into the virtual waitlist as close to 12 p.m. as possible to have any chance being seen that day.

Also, a spot in the virtual queue doesn't guarantee you'll be seen that day. If your number isn't called by end of day, your place in line will NOT be held because it refreshes daily.

Upon being seen, registering for a REAL ID is a ~20 minute process. | Photo via NCDOT

3:42 p.m.

I finally received the text I'd been waiting for all day: I could proceed to a station to get my REAL ID processed.

4:02 p.m.

After a ~20 minute process, including having my picture taken, it was mission accomplished.

Takeaways

Despite spending a full day waiting, I still consider myself one of the lucky ones. Everyone around me kept a cool head, and I ultimately got what I came for. Plus, the NCDMV was kind enough to offer water and popsicles to everyone waiting in the lobby on a hot afternoon.

Walk-in appointments are available for anyone still needing a REAL ID. Keep in mind, the NCDMV expects long lines to last for several months.

My advice: have a plan, come as early as you can with all your documents, be patient, and hope luck is on your side.