No Real ID Appointments in New Jersey? You’re Not Alone!

If you’re a Jersey dweller hoping to get your Real ID as of May 7 is just around the corner, chances are you’re already aggravated and you know why. You navigate the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) web site, steamed (at least jazzed) to secure a place, only to find those nasty words facing you: “0 appointments available.” Familiar yet?

You’re not alone.

It’s happening all along the Jersey Shore, from Seaside to Sea Girt, as residents rage on Facebook and Twitter condemning what they see as bureaucratic madness. And truthfully, it’s hard to argue. With the national deadline to meet Real ID standards looming, today is deadline day for individuals who want to fly in the United States or access some federal facilities without a passport. But in New Jersey, the one thing harder than parking at the DMV is actually getting an appointment to obtain Real ID.

So, What’s the Real Deal?

Let’s cut to the chase. As of May 7, if you’re flying within the United States or entering some federal buildings, you’re going to need either a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or some other acceptable identification like a valid passport.

Now, that sounds manageable, right? Except. in New Jersey, it’s not.

On Monday, the NJMVC website displayed a solid goose egg – zero appointments for Real ID upgrades. Yet, ironically, there were over 51,000 appointments available for basic driver’s license renewals, and thousands more for other services like non-driver IDs and out-of-state license transfers.

Confused? You’re not the only one.

Here’s the Loophole (Sort Of)

If your existing driver’s license is eligible for renewal, you can squeeze a Real ID change into a renewal appointment. That’s a good trick – if your license just so happens to be in that renewal cycle. Otherwise, it’s waiting in line with the daily appointment windows opening at 7 a.m., and thousands of individuals refreshing their browsers at the same time in hopes of getting through.

Good luck with that.

New Jerseyans: “Get With the Times!”

Of course, there are irate residents all over Twitter. One griped, “No one in New Jersey can get an appointment for a Real ID.” Another teased, “Just par for the course for NJ… GET WITH THE TIMES, NJ.” And for real? It’s no wonder people are so upset.

Others wondered why the DMV couldn’t simply convert all those thousands of just ordinary renewal visits into Real ID appointments that’s no-brainer to me. Others noted that without a passport, now you’re talking about trying to get both the Real ID and an appointment something which could take months and even then there are no promises.

The DMV’s Response

To be kind, NJMVC isn’t entirely staying mum. Of the request, they say they’re going to increase 3,000 new Real ID appointments each weekday. But considering how fast the appointments get grabbed up (we mean minutes, if not seconds) it doesn’t quite seem like enough.

Their automated voice system even apologized for the problem, saying, “The need for Real ID is very high at this time before federal enforcement starts in May.” No kidding.

And still despite the agency continuing to state it’s seeing a “record number” of in-person Real ID transactions and struggling to see how to open up capacity, that doesn’t help all of the thousands of people waiting day after day again and again in the morning — and going away empty-handed.

What Are the Options?

If you find yourself stuck, here are your options:

• Use a Passport Instead: Real U.S. passports are still good for domestic travel and for admittance into federal buildings. But if you do not have one, you’ll have to buy an expedited process (extra fees), and wait approximately 2–3 weeks.
• Check with AAA: Certain AAA offices in a handful of states provide Real IDs. New Jersey is not among them — but see if you are near a bordering state and have membership benefits elsewhere.
• Try Daily: As annoying as it is, the best bet may be logging on daily right at 7 a.m. when new slots open up. Yes, it feels like playing the DMV version of a ticket lottery, but it’s worked for some lucky folks.

What You’ll Need at the Appointment (If You’re Lucky Enough to Get One)

To actually obtain your Real ID, you’ll need to bring:

• Two proofs of home residency (e.g., bills or bank statements),
• One proof of your Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2),
• And six points of identification (e.g., your current driver’s license, U.S. passport, or birth certificate).

It isn’t the easiest list in the world to fill out, but that’s what the feds require — and it’s a good idea to double-check it all beforehand to save a wasted trip.

Bottom Line

There’s no dancing around the fact: getting a Real ID in New Jersey today is an administrative hassle. With the deadline rapidly approaching on a national level and appointment times dwindling quicker than you can enter your zip code, residents are more than justified in being upset.

New Jerseyans are accustomed to standing in lines and suffering government red tape – but this has hit a raw nerve. Maybe it’s the impending May 7 deadline, or maybe it’s just another case of an outmoded system crying out for some badly needed major shakes.

Either way, if you’re one of the many still trying to get your Real ID by the deadline, don’t give up, stay informed — and keep your passport close. just in case.