NJ Establishes REAL ID Emergency Program for Critical Situations

April 24, 2025 TruthUSA

Starting May 7, individuals traveling within the United States on domestic flights will be required to present a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification, such as a passport.

Officials in New Jersey have announced the establishment of an “emergency issuance program” for REAL IDs in advance of the federal mandate set to take effect next month.

This program is intended for eligible individuals who must fly domestically within 14 days due to a “life-or-death” situation or urgent travel needs, provided they do not possess a REAL ID or another acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport, capable of passing through Transportation Security Checkpoints, according to officials’ statement on Tuesday.

From May 7 onward, all U.S. residents will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant ID or license, or another valid form of identification, like a passport, to board domestic flights. This requirement applies to individuals age 18 and older, as stated by the Transportation Security Administration earlier this month. Starting on this date, standard driver’s licenses or IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights, according to officials.

Eligible individuals meeting specific New Jersey state criteria will have access to this new emergency program, where they will receive a special appointment to obtain a REAL ID.

“Given the recent surge in demand being experienced nationwide, we have made numerous arrangements to accommodate as many customers as possible for REAL ID services, including this emergency program,” said Acting New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd in a statement on Tuesday.

“Our initiatives will persist through the enforcement start date on May 7.”

Individuals applying for a REAL ID on an emergency basis will need to provide documentation that illustrates their urgent travel need and the request for an emergency appointment, according to state officials. However, they cautioned that emergency appointment slots will be limited and that accommodating every request cannot be guaranteed.

The Motor Vehicle Commission indicated that those who possess a valid U.S. passport can access TSA checkpoints at airports but will not be eligible for emergency service appointments. They will also need to pay an $80 shipping fee to expedite the delivery of the REAL ID within a few business days, though there is no charge for the appointment itself.

REAL IDs will also be necessary for accessing specific federal buildings and facilities, military bases, and nuclear sites, in addition to domestic air travel.

The REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 as a result of a recommendation from the 9/11 Final Report by the National Commission following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The deadline for compliance has been extended several times. IDs compliant with the REAL ID Act feature a star and require applicants to provide a Social Security number and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

As per TSA’s earlier statement this month, noncitizens who are in the U.S. illegally and voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under the REAL ID requirement.

Older forms of identification will still be accepted for driving, purchasing age-restricted products, and gambling in casinos. Additionally, travelers can use military IDs or passports to access flights and federal facilities.

This report includes contributions from the Associated Press.

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