NJ MVC is fully ready to help drivers obtain Real ID. Here's how (2024)

3-minute read

Although the federal deadline to upgrade to Real ID is still more than two years away, New Jersey drivers can find appointments to do so now.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has made more than 2,500 appointments available at agency locations throughout the state every weekday. More are posted every morning at 7 a.m., officials said.

On Friday morning, there were appointments available for Monday at all 24 of the licensing centers throughout the state. The agency also holds mobile unit events with community partners that have additional appointments.

How does it work?

Schedule an appointment: Drivers interested in obtaining a Real ID must make an appointment and visit a motor vehicle location to get the new license.

Proofs needed: Customers are encouraged to check REALID.nj.gov to make sure they bring all the required documents — two proofs of residential address, one verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that add up to six Real ID Points — to their appointment.

Renewals: Renewing a Real ID can be done online.

Earlier:Real ID deadline pushed back another two years to May 2025

More:Get into NJ parks for free again. What other fee waivers are in Murphy's proposed budget?

When is the deadline?

Federal deadline: Real ID is a federal program, and the Department of Homeland Security has pushed back the deadline to upgrade a few times. It currently stands at May 2025.

In New Jersey: The state started issuing the Real ID in September 2019. The deadline was initially October 2020 but was pushed back one year to October 2021 due to the pandemic. The federal government opted to push it back again to May 2023, as new COVID-19 variants continued to wreak havoc on motor vehicle agencies throughout the country. Last year, officials delayed it a third time, to May 2025.

What does it cost?

Price tag: The Real ID costs $35, which is $11 more than a standard New Jersey license or ID, but not all Real ID charges are the same.

Expirations: Drivers who make an appointment for within three months of the expiration date on their current license pay $35, and their Real ID will be good for four years.

Other options: For drivers who don’t have a license expiring anytime soon but still want the upgrade, the fee is $11 and their new license will have the same expiration date as the old one.

Fee waiver: Because of the fee holiday built into last year’s budget for license renewals, drivers with licenses expiring before Sept. 30 will be charged only the $11 upgrade fee. The $24 renewal fee will be waived consistent with the fee holiday.

Why does this matter?

Air travel: After the deadline, standard driver's licenses or non-driver identification cards can no longer be used to fly within the U.S. A passport is also a valid form of identification for domestic travel.

Fraud: The program is a new federal requirement to help prevent fraudulent identification.

Is Real ID mandatory?

State vs. federal: You are not required to get Real ID. A standard driver's license or non-driver identification card can still be used to drive in New Jersey, but it will no longer be a valid form of federal identification.

What does 'not for Real ID purposes' mean on a license?

Need-to-know: If your license says "Not for 'Real ID' purposes, it means you have a standard driver's license. That license can be used for driving in New Jersey, but will not be a valid form of federal identification and cannot be used to fly within the country.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse.

Email:sobko@northjersey.com