REAL ID Deadline Is Days Away: What You Need To Know In NJ

NEW JERSEY — The deadline for New Jersey travelers to get a REAL ID is next month, and time and opportunity to get one is running out.

Starting on May 7, residents will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings, if they don't have a passport or other approved form of identification.

Demand has been high for in-person appointments at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, as residents need to go to one of the MVC license centers or mobile units to upgrade their driver's license or ID card to be REAL ID-compliant.

The MVC had issued about 1.3 million REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs as of March 24, a spokesperson told Patch. Licensing centers will continue to issue REAL IDs on and after May 7.

Here's what you need to know in New Jersey:

Who needs a REAL ID?

Garden State residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport, or other federally-approved identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings when enforcement begins on May 7.

The REAL ID is similar to a regular state identification card or driver's license, but has a small star in the upper right hand corner.

Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on May 7. Agencies may choose to phase in enforcement, but TSA officials have been urging people to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later "to facilitate a smooth transition."

The REAL ID Act of 2005 does not affect those who only need their ID for driving purposes or identification, and does not apply to those under 18.

A passport or valid U.S. passport card can still be used to fly domestically and internationally.

What do I need to get a REAL ID?

First, you need to make an appointment through the MVC — and they have been going fast, with most locations showing limited or no availability for non-renewal appointments as of Wednesday morning.

However, those who need to renew their license or non-driver ID in the next three months have plenty of appointments to choose from.

The MVC said it has been adding about 3,000 new appointments in the online scheduler every day to accommodate the "historically high" demand for services, and also scheduled several REAL ID Mobile Unit events on Saturdays, starting April 5.

To get a REAL ID in New Jersey, 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).

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