New Jersey has the lowest Real ID compliance in the nation so far, CBS News analysis shows
New Real ID rules take effect on May 7.
As of then, you'll need either a passport or Real ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. It's a Transportation Security Administration requirement.
A CBS News analysis from April 7-18 shows New Jersey has the lowest compliance of 49 states we've heard back from issuing Real IDs, with just 17% of the population having one.
"The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has been working non-stop to help as many eligible New Jerseyans as possible obtain a Real ID. Our challenges are not unique to New Jersey--every state in the nation is facing similar pressures as the deadline approaches. Our state has made Real IDs available for the past five and a half years—since September 2019. We are currently issuing approximately 23,000 Real ID's per week and remain focused on delivering efficient service and to ensure that every eligible New Jerseyan can secure one," NJMVC spokesperson William Connolly said.
According to the Murphy administration, there are several factors that make New Jersey different from other states. The Murphy administration says:
- Some residents who are eligible for driver's licenses there are not eligible for Real ID. For example, New Jersey gives driver's licenses to undocumented residents, which drives their percentage down
- New Jersey has an appointment-based system, which means there are no long lines at NJMVC locations
- New Jersey has a one of the highest percentage of residents with passports, which impacts how many people are getting Real IDs now
- New Jersey has increased appointment availability for Real IDs, launched Real ID Thursday to focus licensing centers on issuing Real IDs, offered Saturday appointments, and deployed four mobile units across the state, and more.
According to New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission website, the agency will offer emergency appointments starting on April 24 for those who need to board domestic flights within 14 days for life-or-death reasons, or for urgent travel plans like for a death in the family.
An $80 fee is also required, and U.S. passport holders don't qualify. Documentation about a personal situation for Real ID is also needed for one of the emergency appointments.
"I check every single day, there's no appointments"
Some people said they got their Real IDs already by being diligent.
"I just went online early and tried to get it," Woodbridge resident Brenna Krewcheck said.
"South Jersey, the service is very fast," Berlin resident Andrea Romero said.
Many New Jersey residents say getting an appointment has been difficult. The state is now offering emergency appointments for those who meet certain criteria.
"I check every single day, there's no appointments," Kathleen Ronk said. "It should be quicker. People have to travel."
Lillian Cabrales of Elizabeth said it has been very frustrating.
"I am not traveling, but I just want to get it just in case," Cabrales said.
Ronk says she got a tip from an MVC employee on how to get a Real ID appointment.
"I am going to go online Thursday morning at 5 in the morning and hopefully get an appointment, I hope," Ronk said.
Real ID isn't a requirement in the state of New Jersey, but if you are traveling by May 7 and you don't have a valid passport, you'll need one.
Appointments are available for drivers who need license renewals, and many say they're using those appointments to get Real IDs.
