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The basics:

• New Jersey launches “Real ID Tuesdays” starting May 20
• TSA will require Real ID or federally approved ID starting May 7
• NJ currently ranks last nationwide in Real ID compliance

With the federal Real ID deadline set to take effect, the state announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating issuances.

Beginning May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not Real ID-compliant; or, individuals will have to present another federally approved form of identification to board domestic flights. This will also apply to the entry of certain federal facilities.

To help, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is rolling out “Real ID Tuesdays” at Licensing Centers. The initiative kicks off May 20, which officials estimate will serve more than 5,200 additional Real ID appointments, every other Tuesday moving forward. Appointments for these slots begin May 5.

“As we quickly approach the federal deadline for Real ID, I am proud to announce the addition of ‘Real ID Tuesdays’ – another tool we are using to expand access to Real ID appointments,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “We have offered eligible residents the opportunity to upgrade to a Real ID for five years but, as we enter the home stretch before the federal deadline, we will continue doing everything we can to expand appointments.”

Plan ahead

The agency says this builds efforts to issue the Real IDs, which will take effect after many years of delays. Beyond dedicating Real ID days on Thursdays, and now Tuesdays, NJMVC also has expanded its Mobile Unit program; introduced a Real ID Emergency Issuance Program; and more.

“With federal enforcement approaching, the Motor Vehicle Commission is dedicated to assisting as many New Jerseyans as possible who need or want to get a Real ID,” said acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “To this end, we will be increasing the number of Real ID appointments available on alternating Tuesdays to better accommodate customer demand.

“Remember, if you already have another form of acceptable identification such as a valid passport, you may use that document to board domestic flights, or until you can secure a Real ID driver license or ID at a convenient time,” Littles-Floyd added.

Because of the rollout this week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is reminding travelers about the new policy. It recommends that all travelers check current wait times at security checkpoints before leaving for the airport; and to allow for extra travel time, especially the first few days.

More information is available on the TSA website.

Staying focused

As the deadline rapidly approaches, New Jersey has lagged behind the rest of the nation. A recent CBS News analysis had New Jersey ranked dead last – with just 17% of drivers compliant.

“The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has been working non-stop to help as many eligible New Jerseyans as possible obtain a Real ID. Our challenges are not unique to New Jersey – every state in the nation is facing similar pressures as the deadline approaches,” NJMVC spokesperson William Connolly told CBS News in response to that analysis. “Our state has made Real IDs available for the past five and a half years – since September 2019.

“We are currently issuing approximately 23,000 Real ID’s per week and remain focused on delivering efficient service and to ensure that every eligible New Jerseyan can secure one.”

‘Predictable disaster’

Republicans have been critical about the state’s efforts to issue Real IDs ahead of the deadline. Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-21st District, blasted the Murphy administration in the wake of that analysis – calling it a “predictable disaster” and stressing that residents are now stuck refreshing their screens looking for disappearing appointments — or driving hours just to find an available slot.

“It’s outrageous. The MVC could have flagged renewals that already met the criteria and converted them automatically,” said Munoz in an April 28 statement. “We should have been way ahead of the curve, not dead last. This didn’t have to happen. We’ve wasted two decades and multiple deadline extensions – and now ordinary people are paying the price.”

This airport enforcement also collides with a situation NJBIZ outlined in a separate piece – a rash of delays at Newark Liberty International Airport because of air traffic controller staffing issues and tech failures. All of it could make for a challenging week for travelers at EWR.

Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest.