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Beginning April 24, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will offer emergency issuances of Real ID.

The action follows the Transportation Security Administration’s announcement that full Real ID enforcement will begin May 7, 2025. Real ID has experienced several delays in taking effect over the years. Now, the looming implementation and that federal announcement has set off a scramble to get appointments here in the Garden State.

The emergency program is available to a limited number of qualified customers who need to board a domestic flight within 14 days – either for life-or-death reasons, or for those who have urgent travel plans and do not have an acceptable identification to clear checkpoints. Appointments are free; however, expedited delivery will incur an $80 shipping fee.

A full set of criteria is available here.

The offer of emergency services comes in addition to the continued issuance of Real ID at licensing centers and mobile units, the agency said. Its efforts have also included Real ID Thursdays as well as the mobile unit program issuing the identification cards on Saturdays.

NJMVC says it has processed record numbers of Real IDs over the last several months.

“For years, the NJMVC has been issuing Real IDs and preparing for the start of the federal Real ID enforcement,” said acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “Anticipating the recent increase in demand, which is being seen all over the country, we have made many additional accommodations to service as many customers with Real ID as possible, including with this new emergency program.

“Our efforts will continue through the start of enforcement on May 7 – and beyond.”