In New Jersey, demand for Real ID has reached a peak, and the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission has announced there are currently no available appointments for the ID before the deadline. Residents who still need to obtain the new identification are finding themselves locked out of scheduling, leading to widespread concern and frustration. Applicants must bring specific documentation when applying, including two proofs of residential address, one proof of their Social Security number, and a total of six points of identification. Even those who manage to secure an appointment after the deadline will still need to bring these materials to be approved.
Some residents have voiced that they’ve put off getting the Real ID because they don’t intend to travel anytime soon. Others were unaware of how quickly appointments filled up or how urgent the situation has become. For those who now want one, there's little recourse until new slots open, which likely won't happen until after the deadline passes. One resident described the process as “impossible,” citing the lack of available times at any location in the state. Many are calling for changes in how the Motor Vehicle Commission handles the Real ID rollout, including extending hours, offering walk-in availability, and using mobile units more frequently. Public officials have criticized the response, saying the state could have implemented a more flexible and user-friendly solution. Suggestions include automatically issuing Real ID to those who already meet the documentation requirements or mailing out updated licenses to residents who have renewed in recent years with compliant documents on file.
Although the Motor Vehicle Commission has made efforts by dedicating certain days to Real ID appointments and dispatching mobile units to increase accessibility, these actions appear to be too limited in scope to meet the current rush. Officials estimate that only around 61% of New Jersey driver's licenses will be Real ID-compliant by the May 7 deadline. For now, the pressure is on. Anyone planning to travel by air and who doesn’t have a Real ID or passport should prepare for difficulties. Even if an appointment is secured after the deadline, travelers are advised to make alternate arrangements if they have flights scheduled soon.
The scramble underscores the challenges of coordinating a large-scale identification update across a densely populated state. With time nearly up, Real ID has become more than just a federal mandate—it’s now a race against the clock for thousands who still lack it.
