Whether you’re an avid traveler or not, no one likes to be inconvenienced! If you don’t have a REAL ID yet, it’s time! It’s not yet a total requirement to have one - you can use a military ID or a passport when you travel, but very soon, a regular driver’s license isn’t going to cut it, so we highly suggest getting your Real ID and making life easier for yourself… we all know bringing your passport everywhere with you is a total pain-no one wants to lose their passport!
Here’s the 411:
(most of this is info for NJ locals, but I’m sure much of the info is the same regardless of what state you’re in)
What is it?
Real ID is a more secure, federally-mandated document that will be accepted at airports as identification and to enter federal buildings. After Oct. 1, 2020, standard Non-Real ID licenses will not be accepted as proof of identity at the airport.
Do I have to get one?
No. You will not be forced to get a Real ID license. Standard driver’s licenses will continue to be issued. Both are valid for driving, Fulton said. A passport or military ID are also accepted as proof of identity to fly. If you don’t anticipate flying before Oct. 1, 2020, MVC officials suggest waiting to get a Real ID license until necessary.
Can I walk into an agency and get it?
No. To avoid long lines and wait times, Real ID licenses will be issued by appointment only. Appointments will start out being made every 30 minutes, then every 20 minutes and finally one every 10 minutes as employees get faster issuing the new license, Fulton said. You must get your initial Real ID license in person.
How will I know Real ID is available in my area?
The first step is to sign up at RealIDNJ.com with your name, zip code and email. When Real ID is available in your area, the MVC will email you the locations of the five closest agencies issuing it, Fulton said.
When you receive the email, you can make an appointment at one of those agencies.
Why do I need an appointment?
The MVC doesn’t want lines of people standing outside agencies for hours waiting to get Real ID or do other business.
“In the beginning, people may get impatient because the agency in their area isn’t doing it,” Fulton said. “We’re getting exponentially better. The first Real ID took two hours to issue in Trenton.”
The MVC has been practicing issuing Real ID’s on its and Department of Homeland Security employees to refine the system, train other workers and lower the transaction time, she said. Reporters were invited to go through the roughly 10-15 minute process last week. Everyone has paid the $11 fee for a license change.
What do I need to get a Real ID?
The biggest change is in the six points of identification that drivers are used to presenting to get a license. Drivers now have to present identification that adds up to nine points.
The primary thing to know is your name has to match on all the documents, Fulton said. Why does it matter? The Real ID license displays your full name, including first, middle and last name.
Here’s what you need: two pieces of identification to prove your address, one that proves your full social security number and documents that prove your identity that add up to six points. Documents such as a valid passport or a passport ID card count for four points.
The MVC website lists the types of ID accepted, how many points they’re worth and what they are accepted to prove. To make it easier, the website has a tool that counts the ID you plan to use and tells you when it equals nine points, Fulton said. That tool is live now and drivers can print out a list of the documents they selected.
Source: www.nj.com