TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey residents hoping to get a REAL ID before flying home for the holidays can now book an appointment in about three days, down from an average wait of 73 days at the start of 2026, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said Thursday.
The agency said it has issued 750,000 REAL IDs so far this year and is nearing 1 million for the year. It credited operational changes rather than new spending for the shorter waits, which it put at a 96% reduction.
“Government should make people’s lives easier,” Gov. Sherrill said in a statement. “New Jerseyans were waiting an average of 73 days for a REAL ID appointment, and that was unacceptable. We made operational improvements at the MVC, and now residents can get an appointment in just three days as they prepare for holiday travel.”
Acting MVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson said residents who once waited more than two months can now schedule online in minutes. “We solved capacity challenges by working smarter, not spending more,” she said.
According to the commission, three changes drove the improvement. The MVC now accepts digital proof of residency, such as electronic bank statements, utility bills and pay stubs shown on a phone or tablet, which the agency said cut failed transactions and repeat visits in half. It also streamlined document verification and added appointments, expanding REAL ID service to seven more agency locations this year.
Since May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration has required REAL ID-compliant licenses or identification cards to board domestic flights. Standard New Jersey licenses and IDs without the REAL ID star are no longer accepted at airport checkpoints. Travelers with a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID or other TSA-approved identification do not need a REAL ID to fly.
To get a REAL ID, applicants must bring two proofs of New Jersey residency, a valid Social Security number and identity documents that add up to 6 points under the state’s ID system, including a primary document such as a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate. Identity documents must be originals or certified copies. The MVC recommends using its online checklist and document selector before booking.
Appointments can be made through the MVC’s online scheduler. Drivers within three months of their license’s expiration date can also upgrade at a renewal appointment. The fee is $35 for a four-year license or ID, or $11 for those upgrading early and keeping their current expiration date. Applicants receive a temporary paper license at the appointment, and the REAL ID arrives by mail within two weeks.
This report is based on a press release from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
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