REAL ID is the federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs to help prevent fraudulent identification.

The federal government now requires individuals provide a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly within the U.S. and enter certain federal facilities.

Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory — particularly if you already have a valid passport or any other ID that is accepted at federal checkpoints.

Standard New Jersey driver licenses and IDs remain valid. You do not need a REAL ID to drive, to vote, to prove citizenship, or for general identification purposes.

REAL ID is available at all Licensing Centers by appointment.

Upgrade now, or when you are due for renewal. Thousands of new appointments for REAL ID open up each morning on a rolling basis.

The best time to get a REAL ID is at renewal — when you are within three (3) months of the expiration date on your license or ID.

The major difference is that a Standard driver license or non-driver ID is no longer accepted as identification to fly within the U.S.

The REAL ID looks like your traditional New Jersey driver license or ID, but with a star in the upper right corner.

The Standard driver license or ID looks similar, but instead of a star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES printed on it.

Both the REAL ID driver license and the Standard driver license are valid for driving and general identification purposes.

People are probably familiar with what they need to provide at the Motor Vehicle Commission agency as proof of identification for a Standard license or ID, using the 6 Points of ID model.

For a REAL ID, federal requirements are slightly different. We summarize it this way: 

2 + 1 + 6 = REAL ID

What does this mean? It means you will need to bring the following with you to get a REAL ID:

• 2 documents as proof of your address
• 1 valid Social Security number
• Identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID* points

You can use this document selector tool.
*Point values are different for a REAL ID vs. a Standard ID

It is a federal requirement for security purposes that we scan the documents and keep them securely stored in an encrypted format.

A REAL ID must first be obtained in person at an appointment. Once you have been issued a REAL ID, it may be renewed online (or by mail).

In total, about 80% of all MVC transactions can be completed online, including most license and registration renewals.

Visit the Motor Vehicle Commission’s website anytime, 24/7 to access 25+ online services, schedule appointments, and find answers to common customer questions.

Yes, a REAL ID driver license is a recognized driver license.

By federal law, people who are 18 and older need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. if do not have a valid passport to use. More information can be found on the TSA website.

Yes. The Standard NJ License/ID costs $24; REAL ID costs $35.

You can order a duplicate online.