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MVC says Real ID appointments and mobile events ramping up after surge; 1.4 million Real IDs issued
Summary
At a May 5 hearing the Motor Vehicle Commission described faster Real ID processing, mobile units and added weekly appointment capacity after heavy demand; MVC reported issuing 1.4 million Real ID licenses as of April 28 and is studying no-show policies.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission told the Assembly Transportation Committee on May 5 that it has increased Real ID appointment capacity and deployed mobile units to address heavy demand before an upcoming federal screening change.
Acting Chief Administrator Tris Little Floyd said the MVC has been alerting customers about Real ID since 2019 and has expanded capacity through weekly "Real ID Thursdays," added alternating Real ID Tuesdays and Saturday mobile events, and a new "Real ID Emergency Issuance Program" for travelers who need documents within 14 days. He reported that as of April 28 the MVC had issued 1,400,000 Real ID licenses and more than 8,000,000 driver licenses and IDs that meet the Real ID Act standards.
Floyd acknowledged a backlog of unused appointments in 2023 and 2024 (the MVC cited about 68,000 and 75,000 unbooked slots those years) and said the agency is considering administrative steps, such as an upfront administrative fee, to discourage no-shows. MVC staff also said an $80 expedited-mailing fee covers third-party vendor costs for overnight delivery; the agency said the fee is not retained by MVC.
Legislators praised mobile events but raised concerns about veterans and other groups that may face barriers to appointments. MVC said veterans may have alternative acceptable ID for some TSA purposes but pledged targeted outreach and follow-ups on subsidy questions and other service details.
Ending: MVC committed to continue mobile events, to report back with follow-up data on no-show rates and appointment utilization, and to provide more detail on how expedited services and fees are structured.
