Lauren Rivera 
Here in the United States, travelers now need additional documentation to fly domestically, as of May 7th. The REAL ID, a federally required identification for state-issued driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs, will serve as a way to prevent fraudulent identification. The deadline is here, and New Jersey residents still have questions surrounding the transition. Read on for a comprehensive guide to REAL IDs in New Jersey, including who needs one, what the requirements are, what happens if you don’t have one, and more.
What is a REAL ID + Who Needs One?
Following the 9/11 Commission’s suggestion that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards,” as per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. This act and its regulations set baseline security requirements “for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.”
Read More: NJMVC Announces ‘REAL ID Thursdays’ Starting 3/20: Everything You Need to Know
In line with the REAL ID Act, after May 6th, 2025, New Jersey residents 18 and older who typically use their driver’s license or non-driver IDs to pass through airport security will need one to travel within the U.S starting May 7th.
What makes a REAL ID different from a standard driver’s license or non-driver ID? The main difference, according to NJMVC, is that the standard NJ driver’s license and non-driver ID will not be accepted as proper identification come the deadline. Come the deadline, travelers will need one of the following documents: the REAL ID, which protects travelers from fraudulent identification; a valid U.S. passport; or other federally approved forms of identification. As per the Transportation Security Administration, this includes:
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Visually, what makes the documents different is that the REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner, while on a standard driver’s license or non-driver ID, that same corner reads “NOT FOR ‘REAL ID’ PURPOSES.” Residents whose IDs were recently renewed may have been upgraded to a REAL ID. Those who aren’t sure if their license or ID is REAL ID-compliant or just a standard driver’s license or document should take a peek at the upper right corner of their ID.
Children under 18 are not required to show identification when traveling within the US. Travelers are encouraged to contact their specific airline for questions about ID requirements for those under 18.
How to Make an Appointment + What to Bring
28 MVC locations within New Jersey are taking appointments for REAL IDs. Applicants can schedule an appointment to get the REAL ID now or wait until it’s time to renew their license.
The NJMVC also launched REAL ID Thursdays, which create additional appointments for Garden State residents. Make an appointment at this link.
Applicants need to bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of social security number, and six points of ID. Applicants can download a printable document selector checklist here. Every ID document must be original, unlaminated, or a certified copy in English marked with a state or municipal seal. If any of the documents don’t meet this requirement, or if any appear altered or false, or are deemed invalid for any reason, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation.
If you have changed your name for marriage or otherwise, you may need more than a marriage certificate to verify your name change. Double-check the details here.
Residential Address
- Valid NJ driver’s license/non-driver ID card
- Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days
- Checking or savings account statement from a bank or credit union issued within the past 60 days
- Original, unexpired lease or rental agreement
- Tax bill, statement, or receipt, and/or any letter or correspondence received from the IRS or tax office within the past year
- First-class mail from any government agency in the past six months
- If under 18, a statement from a parent or guardian certifying the address of the applicant
Proof of Full Social Security Number
- Social Security card
- W-2 Form issue within the past year
- Pay Stub with name and full SSN
- 1099 Form issued within the past year
Applicants must select six points from primary and secondary documents:
What Happens if You Don’t Have One?
According to the Transportation Security Administration, those who do not have a REAL ID or an alternate TSA-acceptable form of ID, including TSA PreCheck passengers, can “expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.”
See More: Where to Find ADA-Accessible Train Stations in New Jersey
The screening can include an identity verification process that enquires about a resident’s name and current address. “If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening,” the website reads. Those who decline to do the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok to stay in the know with all of the local news, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar to get ahead on weekend planning.
