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

You are not required to get a REAL ID; however, starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving.

REAL ID is available at all Licensing Centers by appointment. Upgrade now, or when you are due for renewal.

The major difference is that a Standard driver license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted as identification to fly within the U.S. after May 6, 2025. 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.

The REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID looks like a traditional New Jersey driver license or non-driver 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.

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 REAL ID, 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.

Yes. Your identification documents will be verified and, under certain circumstances, shared with the federal government. You can find out more by visiting the DHS website.

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 after May 6, 2025, will need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. if they do not have a valid passport or another federally approved document to use. More information can be found on the l DHS website.

Only through May 6, 2025. Starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving.

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

You can get a duplicate online.