Why You Need a Real ID in NJ/NY by May 2025

Are you an avid traveler? Even if you are not and you plan on flying anywhere in the United States, you will need a real license by May of 2025. Unless you have a passport or other type of federally approved form of identification, the deadline is coming up on May 7th of 2025. Learn why you need a real license in New York and New Jersey and get the tools you need to continue to travel. 

Although the concept itself sounds confusing. The difference between a real ID and a non-real ID, is whether or not your documentation is federally approved. Yes, The Standard New Jersey driver’s license can still be used for driving. 

However, flying requires otherwise. If you are looking to get a real ID or need one for plans to travel: here is the link to get started. On this site, there are options to schedule appointments at different locations as well as information as to what you need to be able to get your real ID. 

The reason why these regulations are being put in place is so that airport security systems can ensure minimum security standards, to promote safer and more efficient travel. Furthermore, the federal government is intending to increase the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

A Federal Security Director from La Guardia Airport in Queens, New York, notes that this is also part of a plan to “deter terrorists’ abilities to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.” The new licenses/forms of real ID will have a star on the top right corner to mark the federally approved document. If your license does not display the star in the top right corner, whether you are a New Jersey Resident or a New Yorker, you will not be able to fly within the United States. 

Additionally, going forward after May 7th of 2025, your real ID can be used instead of a passport to return by land or sea from Mexico, Canada, and select countries in the Caribbean. However, it does not account as a passport for air travel. 

To get your real-ID compliant license, you will have to provide proof of identity, two pieces of proof stating your state residency, one proof of legal presence, and one proof of your social security number. And if you are looking to get a license from another state, you will need your current driver’s license to swap with your new license. 

According to the Transportation Security Administration, officers who work at ticket documentation checking stations are going to be cracking down. After May 7th, any travelers without a federally compliant or real ID will not be allowed to enter their checkpoint or board their flight. Due to an influx of safety concerns, the federal government is instating this rule on behalf of The Real ID Act of 2005. 

If you are a New Jersey resident, here is an informative link to learn more. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has a tool to help people determine whether or not they need to get a real ID or if their current ID suffices. https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/ 

On the other hand, if you are a New Yorker, you have the options for different types of IDs. You can either get an enhanced ID or a real ID, both of which display black stars encircled on the top right corner. But to differentiate the two types of IDs, enhanced IDs in New York State will depict a flag in the lower right corner. If you want to learn more about how to acquire a real ID in New York State, check out the link below. https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl

No matter which state you live in, we suggest that you start thinking about trading your current license in for a real ID before it gets too late. With the deadline approaching, it is important to get yours before the majority of travelers who will wait until the date approaches. 

Also, with the decrease in restrictions on travel, there are more reasons and opportunities to fly than there have been in years. And with that in mind, many people are going to be looking to travel and get their federally compliant ID. 

The law is applicable to any American over the age of 18, which means that demand will be skyrocketing over the next year or so. Meanwhile, with the lingering effects of the pandemic on DMV’s productivity and capacity, it is important to keep the deadline on your list of top priorities. 

The change is happening fast. But with our help, you can be prepared to fly. Check out the helpful links we have included throughout the article for more information and specific instructions as to how you can get started in acquiring your real ID today. Don’t wait!

Works Cited:

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/news/2021/04/27/dhs-announces-extension-real-id-full-enforcement-deadline

https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/

https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl

https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/05/04/travelers-flying-out-new-jersey-and-new-york-will-soon-need-real-id#:~:text=Transportation%20Security%20Administration%20officers%20who,mandates%20that%20a%20REAL%20ID

Tags: Real ID by May 2023, Real ID in NJ/NY
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