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With the Real ID enforcement deadline looming on Wednesday (May 7), New Jersey has the lowest compliance rate in the country. Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz, a Republican, criticized state officials for the lack of preparedness, calling it a "predictable disaster." According to a CBS News analysis, only 17 percent of New Jersey residents have obtained a Real ID, which will be required for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal buildings.
Muñoz urged the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to extend office hours and host pop-up events to address the high demand for in-person appointments. "It’s not too late to fix this, but the excuses need to end," she said, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Despite the low compliance rate, the MVC noted that many New Jersey residents already have passports, which are Real ID compliant. MVC spokesperson William Connolly stated, "The NJMVC has launched many initiatives to expand access to Real ID and is currently issuing approximately 23,000 Real IDs per week."
The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, aims to enhance national security standards for state-issued IDs. Although obtaining a Real ID is not mandatory, it will be necessary for certain activities starting May 7. Residents can still use a passport or a valid U.S. passport card for travel and federal building access.