Americans face a Wednesday deadline to secure a REAL ID, a federal standard for identification needed for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal buildings. The push to obtain the updated document has led to crowded offices and frustration for many across the country, including in New Jersey.
People attempting to secure a NJ DMV REAL ID have reported long lines and difficulty obtaining appointments in the days leading up to the enforcement date. Scott Case, a business traveler from Collingswood, New Jersey, acknowledged delaying his application but found the process challenging at a motor vehicle office this week. He left without securing the ID.
Another resident, Toe Cooper of Burlington Township, New Jersey, said he could not find an appointment online and was unable to obtain the ID by walking in. He stated that while appointments were available for other services, none appeared for the REAL ID.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the state's equivalent of the Department of Motor Vehicles, acknowledged high demand. Commission spokesperson William Connolly stated they are working to help residents and are issuing about 25,000 REAL IDs each week. He noted that thousands of new appointments open daily on a rolling basis, and the state offers dedicated REAL ID days and expanded mobile unit services.
Even with appointments, issues arose. Bruce Beegal of Brigantine, New Jersey, accompanied his daughter to an appointment only to be told they lacked one required identification document, preventing completion of the process. He described the experience as difficult.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, aimed to enhance identification security by setting minimum standards for state-issued documents. While current non-compliant licenses remain valid for driving and other uses, the REAL ID or other approved identification is required for boarding federally regulated aircraft and entering secure federal facilities after the deadline.
The Department of Homeland Security stated it will begin enforcement May 7, following years of delays. The requirement has prompted rushes in states from coast to coast. Travelers without a REAL ID may face delays or additional screening at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
The law created a system allowing states to issue both compliant and non-compliant licenses. Some states issue licenses to residents regardless of immigration status, which will not meet the federal standard for air travel. The Department of Transportation recently sent a letter to states hinting at potential penalties for issuing licenses without checking immigration status, signaling increased federal scrutiny on state compliance standards beyond the REAL ID itself.
Wisconsin's Department of Transportation reported that over 65 percent of its residents had REAL ID compliant documents as of May 2. State officials advised residents who do not plan to fly or visit federal sites soon that they are not required to obtain the ID by the deadline and can apply later.
Regarding travelers arriving at airports without a REAL ID or other acceptable document after the deadline, TSA regional spokesperson Jessica Mayle offered a warning.
“What we are telling these passengers is to expect delays,” Mayle said. “They could face extra screening, and they face the possibility of not being able to make it to the \security checkpoint if we’re unable to verify their identity. So those consequences are possible.”
