Individuals who want to board an airplane for a domestic flight will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, as REAL ID goes into effect starting May 7, 2025,
If their driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The New Jersey REAL ID driver’s license has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
New Jersey residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID or they can stick with a standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
To get a REAL ID compliant license, individuals will need to visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission web site where they can make an appointment to bring certain documents to a nearby MVC office to prove U.S. citizenship and New Jersey residency. Required documents include one proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New Jersey residency, your social security card (if you’ve been issued one) and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking podium at airports will be checking for a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7, 2025, because of a federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes.
TSA is exploring a plan to phase in implementation starting on May 7, and when that plan is finalized, TSA will post those details on its web site.
Travelers will notice signs at airports nationwide to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on May 7.
For more information and details about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card and make an appointment to get your license in New Jersey visit https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvc/AppointmentWizard.
All fine and dandy, however it is almost impossible to get an appointment.
If you’re not due for a driver license renewal, be aware that a passport card can be more advantageous, and is also accepted as a Real ID.
Follow the link and you will see there are zero appointments available.
i got an appointment in Toms River-8 days after i opened up the nj dmv website appointment link-, i brought everything i needed (non expired passport, non expired license, ss card, bank statement with address and birth certificate) and 6 days later i got in the mail my updated REAL ID license. was quite simple. i did this three weeks ago.
There are no available appointments can I just walk in for it?
Why were ppl who renewed their license issued a non I d license to begin with.When before then there was a real license.
My husband was driving since the 90s, and now is issued a non. ID license, what is that about?
U must ask for a “real ID”. I went to MVCnj and just asked for a license renewal ( even though the previous one was a real id) . Well they sent the one labeled “ not real id purposes “. Had to make another appointment to get a “ real id”
Not everyone likes going to airports if I have to go somewhere I’ll use public transportation