The major difference is that a Standard driver license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted as identification to fly within the U.S. after May 6, 2025. The REAL ID looks like your traditional New Jersey driver license or ID, but with a star in the upper right corner. The Standard driver license or ID looks similar, but instead of a star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES printed on it. Both the REAL ID driver license and the Standard driver license are valid for driving.

The REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID looks like a traditional New Jersey driver license or non-driver ID, but with a star in the upper right corner. The Standard driver license or ID looks similar, but instead of a star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES printed on it.

People are probably familiar with what they currently need to provide at the Motor Vehicle Commission agency as proof of identification for a Standard ID. They need to have a verifiable Social Security Number, they need to provide 1 document as proof of address and they need to provide identity documents that add up to 6 points according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission guidelines.

For REAL ID there is going to be some New Math happening at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission!

2 + 1 + 6 = REAL ID

What does this mean? It means you will need to bring the following with you to get a REAL ID:

• 2 documents as proof of your address

• Your Social Security Number

• Identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID* points

You can use this document selector tool

*Point values are different for a REAL ID vs. a Standard ID

It is a federal requirement for security purposes that we scan the documents and keep them securely stored in an encrypted format.

Yes. Your identification documents will be verified and, under certain circumstances, shared with the federal government. You can find out more by visiting the website DHS website.

Make an appointment here.

Please note that the MVC adds hundreds of REAL ID appointments each day, but demand is very high. We have been working aggressively to move transactions online and improve transaction speeds in our 24 Licensing Centers to expand the capacity to issue REAL IDs, which require an in-person visit.

We have added more online services, so drivers don't have to visit an agency for certain transactions, such as renewing a standard driver license or non driver ID - so check to see if you can "Skip the Trip" to Motor Vehicle. 

Yes, a REAL ID driver license is a recognized driver license.

By federal law, people who are 18 and older after May 6, 2025, will need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. if you do not have a valid passport to use. More information can be found on the federal DHS website.

Only through May 6, 2025. Starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving.

Yes. The Standard NJ License/ID costs $24; REAL ID costs $35.

You can get a duplicate online.