Trenton, NJ – With the federal REAL ID deadline looming just weeks away, New Jersey residents are grappling with a severe shortage of available appointments at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) locations, sparking widespread frustration and criticism of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration.
The inability to secure appointments has left many New Jerseyans at risk of being unable to board domestic flights or access federal facilities, prompting accusations that the state has failed to prepare adequately for the long-anticipated mandate.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks, requires state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet enhanced security standards for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal buildings.
While the federal government has delayed enforcement multiple times, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that starting May 7, only REAL ID-compliant IDs or alternative forms of identification, such as passports, will be accepted. For New Jersey residents who rely on their driver’s licenses for air travel, the clock is ticking—and the MVC’s appointment system is not keeping up.
Reports from across the state indicate that securing a REAL ID appointment is nearly impossible. As of April 15, the MVC’s online scheduling system showed zero available appointments at its 28 licensing centers for REAL ID upgrades, according to Fox News.
Residents have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with one user on X calling the situation “another Murphy disgrace” and others urging the governor to modernize the system. “NJ is an absolute embarrassment. Not a single RealID appointment available anywhere in the state. @GovMurphy is a joke,” wrote.
The MVC has acknowledged the “extraordinarily high” demand for REAL ID appointments, with approximately 1.38 million REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs issued as of April 14.
However, with over 6.6 million standard licenses still in circulation, millions of residents may be left without compliant identification by the deadline.
The agency has added 3,000 new appointments daily at 7 a.m. and introduced “REAL ID Thursdays,” which provide an additional 4,500 weekly appointments starting March 20.
Despite these efforts, the slots fill up almost immediately, leaving many residents unable to book.
For New Jerseyans planning to travel this summer, the lack of appointments is more than an inconvenience—it’s a potential dealbreaker.
The MVC has advised residents to consider upgrading to a REAL ID during license renewal appointments if their license expires within three months, as these slots are more plentiful, with over 51,000 available statewide. However, this option is not viable for those whose licenses are not yet due for renewal.
Mobile Unit events, which began on Saturdays starting April 5, have also been introduced, but their limited locations and appointment availability have done little to alleviate the backlog.
Critics argue that Governor Murphy’s administration has had years to prepare for the REAL ID deadline but has failed to scale up capacity to meet demand.
“The Murphy administration knew this was coming since 2019 when New Jersey began issuing REAL IDs,” said State Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris). “The lack of foresight and planning is inexcusable. New Jerseyans deserve better than being left scrambling at the last minute.”
In response, a spokesperson for Governor Murphy’s office told Fox News that the state is working to address the issue, noting that “the demand for REAL ID now is extraordinarily high ahead of the start of federal enforcement in May.”
The MVC has emphasized that REAL IDs are not mandatory and that standard licenses remain valid for driving and other purposes. Residents with valid passports can also use them for domestic travel, though this is not an option for everyone.
