TRENTON, NJ – As the federal deadline for Real ID enforcement looms on May 7, 2025, New Jersey residents are scrambling to secure the enhanced identification required for domestic air travel.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that, starting May 7, a standard New Jersey driver’s license will no longer suffice to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. Instead, travelers 18 and older must present a Real ID-compliant license—marked by a star in the upper right corner—or another federally approved ID, such as a passport.
With just weeks to go, the rush to comply has exposed significant hurdles, particularly with appointment scheduling at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). Here’s what you need to know about the requirements, the process, and the challenges.
Real ID and Flying: Why It Matters
The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks, aims to strengthen security standards for state-issued IDs to prevent fraud and enhance safety.
Starting May 7, 2025, anyone boarding a domestic flight in the U.S. will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, a passport, or another approved form of identification, such as a permanent resident card or Department of Defense ID. In New Jersey, a standard license—marked with “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES”—will still be valid for driving but won’t get you through airport security checkpoints for domestic travel.
“A Real ID provides a high degree of confidence that the person presenting the license is who they say they are,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “This is about making flying safer for everyone.”
However, with over 1.2 million New Jerseyans already holding Real IDs, the NJMVC estimates that many more still need to upgrade, especially those who rely on their driver’s license rather than a passport for air travel.
How to Get a Real ID in New Jersey
Obtaining a Real ID in New Jersey requires an in-person visit to an NJMVC Licensing Center, and appointments are mandatory. The NJMVC has streamlined the requirements under its “2+1+6=REAL ID” campaign, which breaks down the necessary documents:
- Two proofs of residential address: Examples include a utility bill (dated within 60 days), bank statement, or lease agreement. Digital copies are generally not accepted unless they can be scanned.
- One proof of Social Security number: A Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with your full SSN will work.
- Six points of identification: Documents like a U.S. passport (4 points), birth certificate (4 points), or current NJ driver’s license (3 points if valid) count toward the total. Secondary IDs, like a debit card or school ID, add 1 point each. The NJMVC’s online document selector tool can help you plan.
Appointments can be booked through the NJMVC’s website (telegov.njportal.com/njmvc/AppointmentWizard). If your license expires within three months, you can upgrade to a Real ID during a renewal appointment. Otherwise, you’ll need a “Real ID non-renewal” appointment. New residents can get a Real ID during an out-of-state transfer, and non-drivers can apply for a Real ID-compliant ID card. The cost is $35 for a Real ID license, compared to $24 for a standard one, and it takes up to two weeks for the ID to arrive by mail.
To meet demand, the NJMVC introduced “Real ID Thursdays” on March 20, adding 4,500 weekly appointments, and plans to launch mobile unit events on Saturdays starting April 5.
“We’re doing everything we can to expand access,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “Our customers want Real IDs, and we’re reallocating resources to make it happen.”
Challenges in Securing a Real ID
Despite these efforts, New Jersey residents are facing significant obstacles, with appointment availability being the biggest pain point.
The NJMVC’s online scheduler opens new slots daily at 7 a.m., but they fill up almost instantly. A recent check showed zero Real ID non-renewal appointments available statewide for the next 90 days, forcing many to book renewal appointments (if eligible) or travel to distant Licensing Centers.
Social media posts echo the frustration.
The NJMVC reported 500 no-shows on a recent Thursday, urging residents to cancel unneeded appointments to free up slots.
Document requirements also pose challenges. Some applicants, like a Reddit user from February, were turned away because their proofs of address (e.g., voter packets) weren’t scannable or because names didn’t match exactly across documents, such as in cases of marriage or legal name changes.
“I had my license with my married name, but they wouldn’t accept it without a marriage certificate showing the change,” the user wrote. The NJMVC advises using its document checklist to avoid surprises.
Appointment Scheduling Woes
The appointment bottleneck stems from “historically high” demand, according to NJMVC spokesperson William Connolly. With only 28 Licensing Centers statewide, capacity is stretched thin. While the NJMVC adds 3,000 appointments daily and has allocated 80,000 slots through May, the system struggles to keep up.
Residents report appointments booked solid through mid-May, with some locations showing no availability at all.
The NJMVC’s decision to require appointments for Real IDs—unlike some services that allow walk-ins—has drawn criticism.
A 2020 pilot program allowed walk-ins for renewals between the 5th and 20th of each month, but it was limited and hasn’t been reinstated.
Alternatives and Looking Ahead
For those unable to secure a Real ID by May 7, a valid U.S. passport is the most reliable fallback for domestic flights. However, passports take 6 weeks to process (3 if expedited), so time is tight. New Jersey’s high passport ownership—among the highest in the U.S.—may ease some pressure, but not for everyone.
The NJMVC insists it will continue issuing Real IDs post-deadline, so missing May 7 won’t be a permanent barrier.
Still, travelers planning summer trips are urged to act now. Tips include checking the NJMVC site at 7 a.m. daily, considering mobile unit events, or booking at less busy locations like Salem or Cape May.
For those renewing soon, combining the Real ID upgrade with a renewal appointment is the easiest path.
As the clock ticks down, New Jersey’s Real ID rollout highlights both progress and growing pains. With federal enforcement unlikely to budge after years of delays, residents face a clear choice: navigate the system now or risk being grounded later.