REAL ID Guide For NJ: Do This Before Oct. 1, 2020 (UPDATED)

NEW JERSEY — If you're a New Jersey resident, you need to soon get a "REAL ID" if you plan to fly anywhere in the U.S. on or after Oct. 1, 2020 – even though the state is among a handful that still doesn't offer one yet.

That's the day TSA will stop accepting your standard driver's license or ID card as identification to board domestic flights, military base entry, or entry to secure federal facilities, according to New Jersey officials. Instead, you'll need your REAL ID to do those things.

A REAL ID doesn't look much different from a standard state ID. However, in order to receive one, you'll have to go to the motor vehicle agency and prove your identity, bringing two proofs of address, your lawful presence in the country and proof of your Social Security number.

But.... here are some very important points that New Jerseyans need to know:

• Doing this gets you special star icon on your license, which means it’s REAL ID compliant.
• The federal government requires a REAL ID for better security at airports and federal facilities.

People who need a REAL ID:

• Do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card; AND
• Use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation; or
• Visit military bases; or
• Visit secure federal facilities.

Here's what else you should know:

• Effective October 1, 2020, individuals will not be able to fly commercially or enter certain federal facilities with a driver license or ID that is not “REAL ID” compliant. However, they may use a passport or military ID.
• UNTIL THAT DATE, New Jersey driver licenses or ID cards are valid for domestic air travel.
• One of the enforcement provisions of the 2005 “REAL ID” law provides that states must show their progress to the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a quarterly basis, and each year must demonstrate satisfactory progress to be granted an extension to the following year or be placed in “non-compliant status.”

The MVC is planning a number of steps to reduce the massive wait-times and blocks-long lines that some other states have experienced when they’ve begun their REAL ID programs.

• The only way to get the REAL ID right now is by appointment.
• You need to make an appointment by going to https://www.realidnj.com and filling out a short form.
• You will get an email asking if you want to participate in the testing at the eight agencies after you sign up.
• Once the MVC determines that the REAL ID works at an agency, that agency will offer it to anybody.
• Obtaining a REAL ID at an agency should take about 20 minutes.
• To get a REAL ID, you need to bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of your Social Security number and six points of ID.
• The REAL ID looks like your traditional New Jersey driver license or ID, but with a gold star in the upper right corner. The standard driver's license or ID looks similar, but instead of a gold star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES written on it. Both the REAL ID driver's license and the standard driver's license are valid for driving. Here is what it will look like:

• There will be an $11 fee associated with changing your standard NJ driver's license or non-driver ID to a REAL ID if not done at renewal.
• You will eventually get a REAL ID driver's license or non-driver ID prior to the expiration of your current driver's license or ID by visiting any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency. This REAL ID driver's license or ID will expire upon your current expiration date.
• You are not required to get a REAL ID. However, starting Oct. 1, 2020, if you typically use your driver's license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly domestically, you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise, you will need to use other acceptable identification such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID. The standard New Jersey driver's license can still be used for driving.
• REAL IDs are best for those who typically use their driver's license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other forms of ID) to fly domestically.
• If your current driver's license or non-driver ID expires after Sept. 30, 2020, you can wait until renewal time. After that date, you'll need to use a passport or another form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel if you haven’t changed to a REAL ID driver license or ID.
• It is a federal requirement for security purposes that MVC scan the documents and keep them securely stored in an encrypted format.
• Your identification documents will be verified and, under certain circumstances, shared with the federal government. You can find out more by visiting the website https://www.realidnj.com.
• The MVC recommends you visit the agency during the middle of the month to potentially reduce your waiting time.
• The MVC will be adding more online services so drivers don’t have to visit an agency for certain transactions, such as renewing a standard driver's license or non-driver ID. So check the website to see if you can skip the trip to the MVC.
• The MVC is increasing staffing so it can serve people more quickly if you have to come to the agency in person. If you are getting a REAL ID for the first time, you will have to visit an MVC agency.

The MVC will make more transactions available online. In the meantime, you will be able to renew your registration, get a duplicate registration, or renew your standard (non-REAL-ID license) from an easy-to-use online portal – even from your mobile phone.

• The MVC will update its website so that you can easily learn what you need to know, including

• Whether you need to go to an MVC agency at all, or can process your transaction online
• What documents you should bring to MVC for your new “6 points” of ID
• Which agencies have the shortest wait times so you can plan your trip

• The MVC promises to improve the service in brick-and-mortar agencies so that your trip is quicker and easier.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress in 2005 as a way to establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The deadline was set by the Trump administration after the law was opposed by states under George W. Bush and not enforced under Barack Obama.