New Jersey residents may be wondering whether their driver’s licenses are Real ID compliant as the deadline for implementation approaches. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This law establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
The deadline for full compliance with the Real ID Act was extended multiple times before finally being set for May 3, 2023. After this date, individuals without a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card will need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities.
To determine whether their driver’s licenses are Real ID compliant, New Jersey residents can look for a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of their license. This star indicates that the license meets the security standards set forth by the Real ID Act. If the license does not have a gold star, it is not compliant and individuals will need to provide an alternative form of identification after the deadline.
New Jersey began issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards in May 2019. Since then, the state has been working to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to upgrade their licenses to meet the new standards. Residents can visit their local Motor Vehicle Commission office to apply for a Real ID-compliant license. In order to obtain a Real ID-compliant license, individuals will need to provide documentation of their identity, residency, and social security number.
The process of obtaining a Real ID-compliant license may be slightly more tedious than renewing a standard license, as it requires additional documentation. However, the benefits of having a Real ID-compliant license far outweigh the inconvenience. Individuals with Real ID-compliant licenses will have greater ease of access when traveling domestically and entering federal facilities.
New Jersey residents who are unsure about the status of their driver’s licenses can visit the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission website for more information. The website provides a list of frequently asked questions about Real ID compliance, as well as a tool for checking the status of a license. Additionally, residents can visit their local Motor Vehicle Commission office to speak with a representative about their license status.
The deadline for compliance with the Real ID Act is quickly approaching, and New Jersey residents should take the necessary steps to ensure that their driver’s licenses are up to date. While the process of obtaining a Real ID-compliant license may require a bit of effort, it is well worth it for the convenience and peace of mind it provides when traveling domestically. Don’t wait until the last minute – make sure your license is Real ID compliant today.
