As the May 7, 2025, deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID Act approaches, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is rolling out an emergency issuance program aimed at assisting residents with urgent travel needs. Starting April 24, individuals who require a REAL ID for life-or-death situations or other urgent travel plans within the next 14 days can apply for expedited appointments.
Under this new program, eligible customers can secure a special appointment at the NJMVC's Trenton Regional Center. Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd emphasized the need for this initiative, stating, "For years, the NJMVC has been issuing REAL IDs and preparing for the start of federal REAL ID enforcement. Anticipating the recent increase in demand nationwide, we have implemented various accommodations, including this new emergency program, to serve as many customers as possible. Our efforts will continue through and beyond the May 7 enforcement date."
The emergency program is designed for those who need to board a domestic flight within 14 days due to critical circumstances. This includes situations where an immediate family member is dying, has a life-threatening illness, or has recently passed away. Applicants must provide proof of their emergency, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a letter from a hospital on official letterhead.
Importantly, individuals who already possess a valid U.S. passport or another acceptable form of identification to clear TSA checkpoints will not qualify for this emergency service. Customers are required to confirm that they do not have a passport or any other acceptable identification when applying for the REAL ID emergency program.
The application process will be facilitated through a dedicated portal, which will open on April 24, 2025. Appointments cannot be made through the regular NJMVC scheduling system, emphasizing the need for applicants to utilize the new emergency issuance request portal. An $80 expedited shipping fee will be assessed to ensure that the REAL ID is delivered within a few business days. This fee covers the expedited delivery from a secure central facility where New Jersey licenses and IDs have been printed since 2020.
To qualify for an emergency appointment, applicants must present a combination of documents that verify their identity and residency. This includes two proofs of residential address, one verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that collectively add up to six REAL ID points. The NJMVC provides a document selector tool on its website to assist applicants in gathering the necessary paperwork.
The urgency of this program comes as many residents have expressed difficulty securing standard appointments for REAL IDs, especially with only 12 business days remaining until the federal deadline. As of now, the REAL ID is required for domestic air travel, and the NJMVC has been working diligently to accommodate the surge in demand.
In addition to the emergency program, the NJMVC has been actively expanding its services. This includes adding hundreds of thousands of appointments, launching “REAL ID Thursdays,” and expanding its Mobile Unit program to Saturdays. These measures are part of the NJMVC's broader strategy to manage the overwhelming demand for REAL IDs, especially as the deadline looms.
For those eligible for the emergency issuance program, it is crucial to gather all required documentation ahead of time. This includes proof of travel plans, such as an airline ticket or travel itinerary with proof of payment. The NJMVC specifies that documentation must clearly demonstrate the need for urgent travel.
As the clock ticks down to the REAL ID enforcement date, residents are reminded that while obtaining a REAL ID is essential for air travel, it is not mandatory for driving in New Jersey. Standard driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards remain valid for driving purposes.
For more information about the REAL ID emergency issuance program and to verify eligibility, residents are encouraged to visit the NJMVC REAL ID website at REALID.nj.gov. This comprehensive resource outlines all requirements and provides additional guidance for those navigating the application process.
As New Jersey prepares to implement this emergency program, the NJMVC urges all residents to be proactive in securing their REAL IDs, especially those who find themselves in urgent situations. The combination of streamlined services and targeted assistance aims to ensure that no one is left stranded without the necessary identification as the enforcement deadline approaches.
