The May 7 deadline is rapidly approaching for Oregonians to get Real ID cards. A passport or a Real ID will be required for boarding domestic flights in the U.S.

Those seeking a Real ID must have original documents that prove their identity, date of birth and lawful status in the U.S., plus two documents proving their place of residence.

The new cards are distinguishable by, among other things, a star in the upper right corner.

The new Oregon Real ID card will include a star in the upper right corner.

Courtesy of Oregon D / Oregon DMV

Anyone just starting the process to get a Real ID likely won’t meet the deadline, Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services spokesperson Chris Crabb said. Appointments are booked weeks out, and DMV offices have seen huge lines in recent days.

“Right now, our lines are insane, because everyone waited until the last minute,” Crabb said.

The first week in January saw 5,000 Real ID appointments across Oregon. Last week saw 14,000, Crabb said. Anyone attempting a walk-in appointment will likely have to wait hours to be seen.

As of last month, only about 37% of Oregonians with license credentials — nearly 1.4 million people — had been issued a Real ID, according to Oregon DMV.

Anyone with a flight scheduled can still board with a passport.

For those just starting the process, Crabb’s main advice is to not panic. Unless you have flight plans in the near future, you likely won’t need a Real ID immediately.

“The word ‘deadline’ makes a lot of people nervous,” she said. “If you’re never going to fly, you will never need a Real ID.”

The Real ID Act of 2005 states that the cards will be needed to access some federal buildings. Crabb said that the department is only aware of requirements at nuclear power plants and military bases.

When someone does get an appointment, Crabb said it’s important to bring the correct documents, to avoid having to revisit the DMV.