Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a new form of ID for domestic travel: a REAL ID. This new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs primarily serves to prevent fraudulent identification. Unfortunately, you can’t simply order it online or by phone — you must go in person to request a REAL ID.

Starting May 7th, 2025, passengers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID for domestic flights, unless using a U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. Until that date, a standard NJ driver’s license is still valid. Since appointments to obtain a REAL ID are sparse ahead of the deadline, the state recently launched REAL ID Thursdays that will provide additional appointments for residents. Keep reading to find out if you need a REAL ID and what documents are required to get it.

REAL ID Thursdays

On Tuesday, March 4th, NJMVC announced the launch of REAL ID Thursdays to help residents obtain a REAL ID ahead of the deadline. Beginning on Thursday, March 20th, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on the issuance of REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments each week. This will include added license renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring within three months can renew their license and upgrade to REAL ID at the same time, and REAL ID non-renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring after three months can upgrade to REAL ID. More information can be found here.

Who Needs a REAL ID

Not everyone is required to get a REAL ID, but if you typically use your state driver’s license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID.

Otherwise, passengers will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The standard NJ driver’s license can still be used for driving. Upgrade or renew your standard license/ID to a REAL ID by making an appointment here.

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What to Bring: Get It Right the First Time

In order to qualify for a REAL ID, residents 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. Submitting your Social Security number is required by state law.

If you have changed your name for marriage or otherwise, you may need more than a marriage certificate to verify your name change. You can 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 6 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:

Primary

• Unexpired US passport or passport card (4)
• US or US Territory birth certificate certified copy filed with a state office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth (4)
• US Department of State birth certificate (4)
• US Department of State Consular Report of Birth Abroad (4)
• Certificate of Naturalization (4)
• Certificate of Citizenship (4)
• Current Permanent Resident Card issued by USCIS (4)
• Unexpired foreign passport with valid VISA and I-94 (2)

Secondary

• Unexpired standard photo driver's license from NJ or any state, or US Territory, and District of Columbia (1)
• Unexpired standard non-driver identification card from NJ only (1)
• Social Security card (1)
• Bank/credit union statement or record (within the past 60 days) (1)
• ATM/debit card with preprinted name and applicant’s signature (1)
• Current health insurance card or prescription card displaying applicant’s name (1)
• Current employee identification card with pay stub (1)
• State professional license (1)
• NJ public assistance card with photo (also known as an NJ Social Services identification card) (1)
• High school diploma, GED, or college degree (1)
• Property tax statement, bill, or receipt issued by an NJ municipality (1)
• For NJ high school graduates: a waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver’s test (1)
• Veteran Administration universal access photo identification card (1)
• Unexpired federal government employee driver's license (1)
• Unexpired federal government employee photo identification card (1)
• US military discharge papers (Form DD-214) (2)
• FAA pilot license (2)
• US school photo identification card with transcript or school records (2)
• US college photo identification card with transcript (2)
• Legal name change court order signed by a judge or court clerk (3)
• Civil marriage or civil union certificate or divorce decree (3)
• US adoption papers (3)
• Current military dependent card (3)
• US military photo retiree card (3)
• NJ firearm purchaser card (3)
• Unexpired REAL ID driver's license, non-driver identification card, or probationary license from any state, US territory, and the District of Columbia (4)

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Applicants can schedule an appointment to get the REAL ID now or wait until it's time to renew their license. There are 28 locations within the area that are currently taking appointments.

For more information, visit the NJ MVC website.

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