Real ID Appointments Have Opened In Bergen County: Use New Links

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County residents hoping to upgrade their driver license to a "Real ID" — which will allow them to use it for flying domestically after May 7 — can check continuously for Motor Vehicle Commission appointments using links below.

Note: Some sites will only do upgrades on licenses that aren't expiring in the next three months, while others handle renewals. There are links for both.

After May 7, 2025, New Jersey residents won't be able to use their driver license as identification to get on a plane unless they've upgraded to a "Real ID."

In order to get this upgraded license, you must present certain forms of identification proving your name and address. The requirements and documents for a Real ID are spelled out here.

While those who want to upgrade their license can head to a Motor Vehicle Commission office that offers Real ID licenses, several local towns have also offered "mobile units" that stop in a local town for one day.

The appointments tend to open 30 days before the mobile unit is coming, and they fill up quickly. They've been offered in libraries, community centers, and other municipal buildings.

Dropping Each Week

But the state recently announced that they will add appointments each week.

"Beginning Thursday, March 20, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on the issuance of REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments for each “REAL ID Thursday” going forward," the state said.

On Friday morning, appointments were offered around North Jersey, including Bayonne, North Bergen, Lodi, and Oakland.

The state said, "This will include added license renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring within three months can renew their license and upgrade to REAL ID at the same time, and REAL ID non-renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring after three months can upgrade to REAL ID."

Those upgrading at a mobile office will get a temporary Real ID license, while the permanent one will come in the mail later.

Links For Real ID Appointments

• To see the list of local towns and appointments for upgrading to a Real ID (not for licenses expiring in the next three months), click here.
• To see the list of local appointments for licenses that need renewal soon, click here.
• Check this too: Register for any kind of appointment at any New Jersey MVC office here.