Real ID Alternatives For NJ Residents Who Don't Have A Real ID

Would it surprise you if I told you that New Jersey currently has the lowest compliance level for residents getting their Real IDs?

The new IDs go into effect on May 7th, and maybe you're like me, where you realized you aren't traveling anywhere via plane this summer, or fall, so you aren't in a huge rush to stand in line at the NJ MVC.

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But if you do plan on traveling sooner rather than later and you don't have your Real ID by the deadline, there are a few workarounds.

What Do I Need To Get My Real ID?

It's pretty simple, really. You need to bring your passport or a US birth certificate as well as two proofs of residency.

That could be a utility bill with your name and address on it, a valid NJ driver's license, or a credit card bill or bank statement from the past 90 days.

But let's say you continue to put off getting a Real ID, and do end up having to travel domestically by plane after May 7th. What do you do?

NJ MVC Offering Expedited Real IDs For Emergency Situations

One option is to try to book an expedited Real ID emergency appointment.

This is if you have a family or medical emergency and need to travel within 14 days and don't have a Real ID. You'll have to pay a little bit more for it, but in a pinch, it works.

However, there are other options if you don't have a Real ID but still need to travel on a domestic flight after May 7th.

There Are Other Forms Of ID That Are Accepted Instead Of a Real ID

I do want to preface this by saying the easiest thing to do is just make a Real ID appointment and get yourself a Real ID. It'll save you a headache.

But again, let's say you're like me and you're waiting out the initial rush, or you're waiting another year until your license is set to expire before getting your Real ID.

The deadline to get Real ID is approaching, and these are some alternatives you could use Getty Images

APP reports that the TSA has said you can use an Enhanced Driver's License or an Enhanced ID. Both of these are newer, more secure types of identification that would work at an airport after the Real ID deadline comes and goes.

You can also bring your passport along with your state-issued ID and board an airplane; the only issue I see with that is that now you have to worry about your passport while you're on vacation.

There Are Other Forms Of ID That Will Be Accepted In Place Of Real IDs

According to the TSA, these are liable to change at any given moment, which is why I push you to just get the Real ID so you don't have to worry about.

Either way, you can use these for domestic travel if you don't yet have a Real ID: