NJ MVC Says REAL ID Appointment Waits Are Down to Three Days
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If you put off getting a REAL ID because you couldn’t get an appointment, it may be worth checking again.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission says the average wait for a REAL ID appointment is now three days, down from 73 days at the beginning of the year.
That is a statewide average. The MVC did not release separate numbers for Ocean County, and it does not mean every nearby location has an opening in three days.
But the appointment is only one step: the MVC says the actual card arrives by mail within two weeks. A temporary paper license is not accepted at airport security.
You do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid passport or another form of identification accepted by TSA. A standard New Jersey license is still valid for driving.
The MVC also says you can now show proof of your New Jersey address on your phone or tablet, such as a bank or utility statement. You still need the required original or certified identity documents, two proofs of address and a valid Social Security number.
If your license or ID expires within three months, you can upgrade to REAL ID at a renewal appointment. Otherwise, choose a REAL ID appointment.
To check appointments and the documents you need, visit the MVC’s REAL ID page.
