Real ID Licenses
Jeanne D. Got mine done in Washington. It was as quick as a regular license as long as you have all the credentials for it. It will get mailed to you like a regular driver's license does now.
Grapes I got mine about 6 months ago. Have your documentation in order and it is an easy process. Hardest part is getting the appointment now.
JrzyGirl88 May be helpful:
"With 63 days left before federal Real ID standards take effect on May 7, the state Motor Vehicle Commission will hold dedicated Real ID events in March and April to help drivers obtain the document needed for domestic air travel.
Beginning Thursday, March 20, MVC Licensing Centers will add nearly 4,500 new appointments on “Real ID Thursdays,” providing more opportunities for drivers to get a Real ID."
OnTheEdge 
JeffersonRepub The thing I don't understand is that the requirements for the Real ID license seem to be the same requirements for a NJ license already. The last time I renewed my license I had to present my social security card, my birth certificate, and 2 utility bills to prove my address. They called it Six Points or something like that. Am I missing something?
Lonesome Dove A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state ID card that is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act passed after the 9/11 attacks.
It is issued by a state motor vehicle agency and contains a number of security features, such as a barcode and a gold star on the card, that make it more difficult to counterfeit.
A REAL ID also requires additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, when applying.
I had to go to Patterson to get mine because that was the nearest MV office that had open appointments.
Allamuchy Al 
ianimal Here is more info. I was able to get on at 5:30am to make appointment, but it would not take my license number. I called the state, and they said since my license doesn't expire until 2027, they are not taking applications yet. He suggested that after March 14th to go on and do Real ID non renewal category. He said that every Thursday they were going to add more appointments so check again early in the morning. Hope this helps.
JRN Have I been living under a rock!! - This is the first I've heard about a read ID - same question as JRN - what are the consequences??
margaret You will need a real ID license by May 7th to fly within the US unless you have a valid passport. I think this is the only reason you would need one it does not affect driving with your current ID. You can get more information here and what forms of ID you need: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/realid/index.html
You need to make an appointment at a DMV office and go with your forms of ID to get one. I processed mine at the Washington DMV and it took about 2 weeks to come in the mail from the time they filed the paperwork at my appointment.
HtowngalThanks Ian. I'll get around to getting the RealID, but I know I don't HAVE to for awhile since my passport is valid.
Here's a secondary question:
My DL expires this year. Do I HAVE to get a RealID to replace it, or can I still just get a driver's license (and if so, can I maybe renew that online?).
"You are not required to get a REAL ID; however, starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving."
https://www.nj.gov/mvc/realid/
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