Trenton, N.J.— With the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, fast approaching, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has launched an emergency REAL ID issuance program. This initiative aims to assist residents who need to board domestic flights within the next 14 days due to life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel plans and lack acceptable identification for TSA checkpoints.
Key Facts:
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Start Date: Emergency appointments begin on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
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Eligibility: Residents traveling within 14 days for life-or-death emergencies or urgent reasons without valid TSA-acceptable ID.
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Location: All appointments will be held at the NJMVC's Trenton Regional Center.
The NJMVC emphasizes that these emergency appointments are limited and not available through the regular scheduling platform. Applicants must undergo a screening process and provide necessary documentation to qualify.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their need for urgent travel and confirm they lack other TSA-acceptable identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.
Required documentation includes proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, hospital letter) and proof of travel within the next 14 days (e.g., airline ticket, travel itinerary with payment proof). Additionally, applicants must present documents meeting the "2 + 1 + 6" REAL ID requirements: two proofs of residential address, one verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents totaling six points.
An $80 expedited shipping fee will be assessed to ensure delivery of the REAL ID within a few business days. There is no fee for the appointment itself.
Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd stated, "Anticipating the recent increase in demand, which is being seen all over the country, we have made many additional accommodations to service as many customers with REAL ID as possible, including with this new emergency program."
This emergency program supplements ongoing REAL ID issuance efforts at Licensing Centers and Mobile Units. The NJMVC has been actively working to accommodate the surge in demand, including adding hundreds of thousands of appointments, launching "REAL ID Thursdays," and expanding its Mobile Unit program to Saturdays.
Do You Know?
Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID, passport, or other TSA-approved identification to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
Key Terms:
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REAL ID: A federally compliant driver's license or identification card with enhanced security features, required for domestic flights and access to certain federal facilities.
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TSA Checkpoint: Security screening area managed by the Transportation Security Administration at airports.
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Expedited Shipping Fee: A charge to ensure faster delivery of documents; in this case, an $80 fee for quick delivery of the REAL ID.
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2 + 1 + 6 = REAL ID: A formula representing the required documents: 2 proofs of address, 1 Social Security number verification, and identity documents totaling 6 points.