Effective October 1, 2020 – NJ Drivers will need to trade in their New Jersey driver’s license for a Real ID if they want to fly or enter federal facilities. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission has not made getting that gold star easy! Applicants for Real ID need to bring two proofs of address as well as proof of social security number when they head to the DMV for their license along with their standard birth certificate or passport. If you have had a name change…. look out! You must be able to show that paper trail completely. – those going for their Real ID should being their patience also….
Here is what 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 can get a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID prior to the expiration of your current driver license or ID by making an appointment and visiting any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency.
- 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.
- People are probably familiar with what they currently need to provide at the Motor Vehicle Commission agency as proof of identification for a standard ID. They need to have a verifiable Social Security Number, they need to provide one document as proof of address and they need to provide identity documents that add up to 6 points according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission guidelines. To obtain REAL ID: two documents as proof of your address; one document as proof of your Social Security Number; identity documents that add up to six REAL ID points. Please check back at REALIDNJ.com soon for a link to an online calculator which will help you choose exactly what documents you will need to bring to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency for REAL ID.
- It is a federal requirement for security purposes that MVC scan the documents and keep them securely stored in an encrypted format.
- 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.
