After years of preparation and delays, REAL ID enforcement begins today, May 7, 2025. Travelers preparing for domestic flights may now face new challenges at security checkpoints.
Passengers without a REAL ID will still be allowed to board flights. However, they will need to clear additional identity checks, which could cause delays.
As of now, about 81% of travelers already have the upgraded ID. Federal officials will continue to accept passports and tribal identification for those without a REAL ID. However, those who haven’t yet switched will face a few extra steps at TSA security lines.
In New Jersey, long waits for REAL ID appointments have left many residents scrambling. Most locations have had no availability for non-renewal appointments as of Tuesday. To address this, the state Motor Vehicle Commission has been adding thousands of appointments online each morning and launching several special events aimed at easing the backlog.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to the September 11 attacks, sets new security standards for state-issued IDs. While the law has faced multiple delays since its introduction, it is now officially in effect, and all air travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID, passport, or other approved form of identification to board domestic flights.
The REAL ID card resembles a standard driver’s license but features a small star in the upper right corner. For those who still hold a regular license, it remains valid for general identification and driving, but not for air travel or access to certain federal buildings.
To obtain a REAL ID in New Jersey, residents need to schedule an appointment with the MVC, provide specific identification documents, and pay a $35 fee. The standard New Jersey driver’s license remains available for $24.
While the deadline has officially passed, federal agencies urge travelers to act quickly to avoid delays. Getting the upgrade sooner rather than later ensures a smoother journey through security.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.