With the federal enforcement of REAL ID set to begin on May 7, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is launching “REAL ID Thursdays” at Licensing Centers across the state.
Beginning Thursday, March 20, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on the issuance of REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments for each “REAL ID Thursday” going forward, the state said in a release.
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.
“Over the last few months, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for REAL ID from our customers, and we’ve repeatedly added and reallocated appointments to better meet that demand,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd.
“If you have a passport or another federally accepted ID, you may continue to use it to meet federal REAL ID requirements, or until you are able to obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time.”
Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory for New Jerseyans. However, starting May 7, 2025, individuals will be required to provide a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID, or another federally approved form of identification, like a passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Standard New Jersey driver licenses will remain valid for driving and other identification purposes.
To make an appointment, see the scheduling page.
To further expand REAL ID availability, the NJMVC also will host a new slate of REAL ID Mobile Unit events on Saturdays, starting April 5, where more customers can be serviced for REAL ID at mobile license renewal and REAL ID non-renewal appointments.
This new slate of events is in addition to the busy Mobile Unit schedule the NJMVC maintains on weekdays in local communities across New Jersey.