Another Real ID Change Could Be Coming: What To Know In NJ

NEW JERSEY — The clock is ticking for New Jersey travelers to make sure they have a REAL ID — though there may be some wiggle room with the upcoming deadline.

Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, travelers will need an updated driver's license, ID card, or provide other documentation before they can board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings.

The Department of Homeland Security has already extended the deadline for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses multiple times, most recently in late 2022 when the agency moved the implementation date back two years to May 7, 2025.

Now, the Transportation Security Administration and DHS have proposed a federal rule that would allow for the REAL ID requirements to be implemented in phases — with another two years until they have to be fully enforced.

This proposed rule doesn't change the May 2025 deadline, but would give the TSA and other federal agencies some flexibility to decide whether or not they will require travelers to have their REAL IDs ready by next May.

So, those people who have been waiting to get their ID (and there are a number of them out there) might be able to hold off a little longer, depending on whether or not the TSA plans to use this phased approach.

But why are officials proposing this change now? The Department of Homeland Security said that as of January 2024, only about 56 percent of people in the U.S. had driver's licenses and ID cards that are REAL ID-compliant.

"Because of the history of extensions related to REAL ID enforcement, DHS believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a REAL ID," officials said.

Thus, the DHS is anticipating possible "last-minute surges in demand for REAL IDs leading up to the deadline" that could overwhelm state agencies, resulting in backlogs that could prevent people from getting their IDs in time.

For those New Jersey residents who haven't gotten their REAL IDs yet, plenty of appointments are available through the state Motor Vehicle Commission. You must bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of Social Security Number and six points of ID (a U.S. Passport or birth certificate counts for four points; one-point forms of ID include a high school diploma, social security card, bank/credit union statement, debit card, property tax statement and more).

The REAL ID is $35, while a standard New Jersey license or ID is $24.

Those who don't get a REAL ID will need a valid passport or other federally accepted document, such as a Global Entry Card, to board domestic flights or enter nuclear power plants and certain federal buildings. (The Transportation Safety Administration has a list of federally accepted documents online.)

And, those who don’t plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office don’t need to do anything. A REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won’t require children under 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel, and it also does not affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don’t require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.