REAL ID Goes Into Affect In NJ This Year

If you plan on doing any type of air travel in the next couple of months, you'll want to make sure you have your REAL ID ready to go.

The date for REAL ID to go into effect has been pushed back for several years, but it looks like in 2025 we'll finally have to start making the transition for your normal ID to a REAL ID if you want to get on a flight not only in Jersey, but across the country.

What Is A REAL ID?

A REAL ID is basically just an upgraded driver's license.

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It's supposed to help prevent fraudulent activity under your name and requires a little more paperwork in order for you to get one.

How Do You Get A REAL ID In New Jersey?

You'll have to make an appointment with the NJ MVC, which is a bummer, however, they have made it as easy as possible to make this transition.

After you've made your appointment, you'll want to gather the needed documents in order to get your REAL ID.

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You'll have to have at least six points of ID, which can include any six of the following, according to NJ.GOV;

An NJ Drivers license
A Utility Or Credit Card Bill Issued within the last 90 days
An unexpired rent or lease agreement
A tax bill from the IRS from the last year
First class mail from a governemnt agency
A Passport

There's actually a whole step-by-step listing of what to bring which makes it super easy to figure out what you need to bring, check it all out here.

When Do I Have To Get My REAL ID In New Jersey?

Time is starting to run out, according to NJ.GOV, you have until May 7th of 2025 to get your REAL ID if you want to travel domestically on flights and not have to bring a passport to the airport or extra forms of ID.

Legally, you don't have to get a REAL ID, but if you travel on planes a lot it may make your life easier if you get one.

REAL ID isn't the only change you'll see in Jersey this year.