New Information On NJ Driver's License Changes, REAL ID (VIDEO)

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey finally revealed some of the big changes to driver's licenses that many other states already have in place.

But first thing's first: You can finally start the process of obtaining REAL ID, according to Sue Fulton, Motor Vehicle Commission chairwoman and chief administrator.

On Wednesday, Fulton revealed what you need to know to start the process of obtaining the REAL ID:

• Fulton said the rollout will still be "phased-in," but you can start the process of obtaining a REAL ID right now.
• 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.
• Fulton said a limited number of people will be selected to participate in "beta testing" – meaning, they'll get a REAL ID and the MVC will monitor to make sure it works.
• The first agency to undergo that process will be Trenton.
• You will get an email asking if you want to participate in the testing after you sign up.
• Once the MVC determines that the REAL ID works at an agency, that agency will offer it to anybody.
• The MVC did not disclose which agency will offer REAL ID next, after Trenton. Four others will undergo testing, but Fulton did not disclose them.
• 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.

Fulton acknowledged that New Jersey was slow in setting up the process to obtain a REAL ID but "we are on track to become the most successful in the country."

She said the technological systems in place were not adequate or updated enough to begin the process, suggesting that the Christie administration had not done enough to get the MVC ready.

You can watch her announcement here:

MVC employees have been training and getting familiar with the new systems that are intended to help put REAL IDs in place, officials say, and the MVC has had to fix a lot of bugs.

After several delays, the MVC was staring down at a deadline to make the driver's license changes available to the public. New Jersey has had an extension to comply with the federal regulations mandating the issuance of REAL IDs by Oct. 10.

After that, if you're a New Jersey resident, you need to eventually get a "REAL ID" if you plan to fly anywhere in the U.S. on or after Oct. 1, 2020.

New Jersey had hoped to roll out REAL IDs, which will bring big changes to your driver's licenses, by the end of May or early June.

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

MVC spokesman Jim Hooker has said the agency so far has issued REAL ID licenses only to "internal volunteers" who still have to pay the required fees. But they're acting as test cases to make sure the system works.

The move was part of the MVC's computer software testing to "ensure that the systems are working as expected and that our employees are properly trained," he said.

"These were not yet available to the general public because, as we have said, we owe it to our customers to ensure that we do this right," Hooker has said. "We have 6 million drivers in New Jersey, and no one knows how many of them will want a REAL ID.”

New Jersey is one of four states that, until now, had not yet provided REAL IDs. The federal government has granted extensions to New Jersey, Maine, Oklahoma and Oregon to comply.

The state also has developed another list of things you need to know. Bottom line: Getting one won't be as easy as you might have thought (see list of 16 things you need to know below).

And even with the eventual roll out, the Motor Vehicle Commission is expecting a lot of long lines to get the new REAL ID driver's license with a gold star stuck to it.

New Jersey officials say they're still working hard to develop an orderly transition that won't create too many of the inevitable long lines that have happened in the 40-plus states that have already issued REAL IDs.

Here is what else you must know:

• 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 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 license and the standard driver 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 license or non-driver ID to a REAL ID if not done at renewal.
• You will eventually get a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID prior to the expiration of your current driver license or ID by visiting any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency. This REAL ID driver license or ID will expire upon your current expiration date. Sign up to be notified when the agency nearest you starts issuing REAL ID.
• You are not required to get a REAL ID. However, starting October 1, 2020, if you typically use your driver 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 license can still be used for driving.
• REAL IDs are best for those who typically use their driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other forms of ID) to fly domestically.
• If your current driver 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 license or non-driver ID. So check the website to see if you can skip the trip to Motor Vehicle.
• The MVC is increasing staffing so that 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.
• By federal law, people who are 18 and older after September 30, 2020, will need a REAL ID to fly domestically if you do not have a valid passport to use. More information can be found on the federal DHS website.