RealID application stuck - born on overseas Air Force base, DMV form won't accept it. Last day to apply. Help!
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble with my RealID application. I was born on an airforce base overseas, and the online form doesn't have an option for that. It only lets you choose from the 50 states. Today's supposed to be the last day to apply. Do I need to go to the DMV in person? Has anyone else dealt with this?
20 comments


NebulaNomad
Ugh, the DMV and their outdated systems strike again! 🙄 I had a similar issue when I applied for my RealID. My advice? Go in person ASAP. Better safe than sorry, especially if today's the deadline.
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Freya Thomsen
•Totally agree. The DMV's online stuff is always a mess. Better to talk to a human face-to-face.
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Omar Fawaz
•Wait, today's the deadline? I thought we had until next year! 😱
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NebulaNomad
•@profile 3 Nah, you're good. The federal deadline is May 7, 2025. OP might be talking about a state-specific deadline.
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Chloe Martin
Former DMV employee here. For unique cases like yours (born abroad), it's always best to visit in person. Bring your birth certificate and any other documentation you have. They should be able to process your application on the spot.
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Ravi Sharma
•Thanks for the insider info! Do you know if I need an appointment or if they take walk-ins?
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Chloe Martin
•It depends on your local DMV. Some are appointment-only, others do walk-ins. I'd suggest calling ahead to check. Better yet, see if you can schedule an appointment online.
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Diego Rojas
lol welcome to bureaucracy hell 🔥 where being born is apparently too complicated for their systems 🤡
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Anastasia Sokolov
I found a way to get someone on the phone quickly. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. (https://www.claimyr.com
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StarSeeker
•Sounds sketchy. Is it legit?
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Yeah, it's totally legit. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo.
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Sean O'Donnell
•20 bucks to skip the hold time? Sign me up! 💸
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Zara Ahmed
Here's what you need to know about applying for a RealID with a foreign birth certificate: 1. Bring your original birth certificate 2. You'll need a certified translation if it's not in English 3. Bring proof of legal presence (passport, naturalization certificate, etc.) 4. Have a social security card or W-2 form 5. Two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements) 6. Your current driver's license The DMV should be able to handle your case, but be prepared for a potentially longer process. Some clerks might not be familiar with foreign birth certificates, so patience is key. If possible, try to speak with a supervisor or manager who might have more experience with unique cases. Also, don't stress too much about today being the "last day". While it's good to get it done ASAP, the federal deadline for RealID enforcement isn't until May 7, 2025. Your state might have its own deadlines, but you should still have time. Good luck!
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Ravi Sharma
•This is super helpful, thank you so much! I'll gather all these documents and head to the DMV.
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Luca Esposito
•Great info! Wish I had this list when I applied. Took me three trips to get everything right 😫
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Nia Thompson
born on an airforce base? thats badass dude 😎✈️
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Ravi Sharma
•Haha, thanks! Though it's more of a headache than anything when dealing with bureaucracy 😅
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Mateo Rodriguez
Have you tried contacting your congressperson's office? They often have liaisons who can help with federal document issues.
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GalaxyGuardian
ugh i feel you. i was born on a navy ship and its ALWAYS a nightmare with official docs. good luck bro
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Aisha Abdullah
•Born on a navy ship? That's wild! You should do an AMA 😂
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