Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens without a passport will need a real ID to fly within the U.S. This change affects many New Jersey residents who travel by air.
So, how to get a NJ REAL ID?
The NJ MVC processes the REAL ID card in New Jersey. REAL ID contains your photograph, legal name, address, date of birth, and other physical identifying features.
Continue reading to know the steps to get a New Jersey Real ID without making mistakes.
How to get a REAL ID in NJ?
NJ Residents must complete the 6-point verification to get a REAL ID in New Jersey. According to the 6-point verification process, citizens must provide documents worth six points. Some documents are worth 4 points, while others can be worth 1, 2, or 3 points. The combination of primary and secondary documents should be at least six.
Required Documents
Residents need the following documents to get a NJ REAL ID:
- At least one Primary Document
- At least one Secondary Document
- Verifiable Social Security Number
- Proof of Address
NJ residents can get a REAL ID Identification card from the NJ MVC by providing these documents. Many documents can be used as primary, secondary, or proof of address.
We have further explained below what documents are considered primary and secondary documents.
Primary Documents
Here is the list of accepted primary documents for NJ REAL ID verification.
| Document Type | Point Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate from the US Department of State | 4 | Must be presented with a valid social security card |
| US passport | 4 | Current or expired less than three years ago |
| Current New Jersey non-driver ID card, military photo ID card, or boat license | 4 | |
| Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship | 4 | |
| Current alien registration card | 2 | Without expiration date and with INS or USCIS verification |
| Current photo employment authorization card | 3 | Must be presented with valid social security card |
A Real ID is also available to non-USA citizens residing legally in New Jersey. Non-USA citizens are required to bring the following documents also:
- Foreign passport and valid Form I-551 stamp or record of arrival/departure
- Current alien registration card with expiration date and verification
- Refugee travel document
- Valid re-entry form
Secondary Documents
Here is a list of the secondary documents you can bring to get the Real ID:
| Document | Points |
|---|---|
| Civil marriage, domestic partnership, civil union certificate or divorce papers | 3 |
| Court order for legal name change | 3 |
| Current US Military card/US military retiree card | 3 |
| Valid New Jersey firearm purchaser card | 3 |
| US school/college ID card with transcript | 2 |
| Valid ID or driver’s license | 2 |
| US military discharge papers | 2 |
| FAA pilot license | 2 |
| Photo driver’s license | 1 |
| Social security card | 1 |
| Bank statement or record | 1 |
| ATM card with pre-printed name and signature | 1 |
| Current health insurance card | 1 |
| Employee ID card and printed pay stub | 1 |
| State professional license | 1 |
| High school or college diploma | 1 |
| Property tax statement, bill, or receipt | 1 |
| Veterans Affairs universal access photo ID | 1 |
For more information about the documents, check out this official brochure published by the state of New Jersey.
Proof of Address of Documents
Here is a list of valid address proof documents for NJ real ID verification.
- Utility/credit card bill issued in the past 90 days.
- Checking or savings account statements from the last 60 days
- Original lease or rental agreement with your name or renters
- Property tax bill, receipt, or statement from the past year.
- First-class mail from a government agency
One of these documents is enough to prove the address verification. Check your mail and remember the period of the documents. Some need to be from the past 60 or 90 days.
But you might ask yourself, “What is the difference between a Real ID and a regular ID?”
NJ Real ID vs. a Regular ID
Real ID and Standard New Jersey ID look similar at first glance. Both have a photo, name, and address. But there’s a key difference. Real ID has a gold star in the top right corner. Standard ID doesn’t have this star. Instead, it says “NOT FOR ‘REAL ID’ PURPOSES” on it. Real IDs are also made of sturdier material and feel more durable. The design has extra security features, including holograms and special printing techniques, to prevent fraud.
Real IDs let you fly within the U.S. and enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. You can still use your regular license for driving, but it won’t work for domestic flights after the May 7th, 2025 deadline. The Real ID costs $11 more than a standard license.
Check out How to Change Real ID Address.
How much does it cost to get a Real ID in New Jersey?
A Real ID costs $35 in New Jersey if you apply for it for the first time.
Can I upgrade my NJ driver’s license to a Real ID online?
You can’t upgrade a driving license to a Real ID online in New Jersey. You must visit an MVC office and apply for a REAL ID. You must show original documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and address.
Is an appointment necessary to get a Real ID at the NJ MVC?
You need an appointment to get a Real ID at New Jersey MVC offices. Walk-ins are not accepted for Real ID applications. You can book an appointment on the NJMVC website.
Summary
Having an official state identification card opens the doors to employment, opening a bank account, boarding a plane, and other important things. Starting on May 7th, 2025, New Jersey residents will need to have a Real ID in order to board an airplane.
You can get a Real ID from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission by bringing two proofs of address, primary documents, secondary documents, and a valid social security number.
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