NEWARK, N.J. — Starting on May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (i.e., a passport) can expect to face delays, additional enhanced and more thorough screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
“We will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “With that said, per longstanding TSA policy, passengers traveling without an acceptable form of ID may face significant wait times at airports or could be denied access through the airport checkpoint.”
If a traveler’s driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The New Jersey REAL ID driver’s license has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” Carter said. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
New Jersey residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID or they can stick with a standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
The process to obtain a REAL ID is simple. Individuals will need to visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission web site where they can make an appointment to bring certain documents to a nearby MVC office to prove U.S. citizenship and New Jersey residency. Required documents include one proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of New Jersey residency, proof of Social Security number and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
TSA officers who staff the ticket document checking podium at airports will be checking for a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7, 2025, because of a federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes.
Travelers will notice signs at airports nationwide to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on May 7.
For more information and details about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card and make an appointment to get your license in New Jersey visit https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvc/AppointmentWizard.