If you live in New Jersey, you’re about to get some great news: in 2025, the state will offer Real ID completely free to those who meet just one requirement. Yes, you read that right! The document that will become essential starting in May for travel, official procedures, and unrestricted movement within the country, all without paying a single dollar! However, this opportunity is limited and only available to a select group. New Jersey will issue Real ID for free to certain migrants who meet all the necessary requirements. What do you need to qualify? Here’s everything you need to know about this major change affecting the migrant community in the United States.
What are the requirements to receive the free Real ID in New Jersey?
It’s very easy, you will only need to present official documentation that proves your residence and your immigration status, of course, it will only be valid for those people who have an eligible or legal immigration status. Those people in an irregular situation, unfortunately, will not be able to opt for this free documentation. Therefore, the winners will need to bring the following documentation to request it:
- Valid identification: Current passport, birth certificate or driver’s license.
- Proof of Social Security: Social Security card, W-2 or 1099 form with your SSA number.
- Proof of residence: Utility bill, rental agreement or bank statement.
- The authorities of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DVM) will be in charge of verifying your information before granting you the free Real ID.
How important is the Real ID for immigrants?
Basically, for any American, this document is one less headache because it covers everything, you cannot access federal buildings and any domestic flight without having to present more documents. People who carry it can avoid legal problems when carrying out government procedures.
In addition, the Real ID is only a system to reinforce the country’s security and prevent the generation of falsified identity documents.
When will the Real ID be mandatory?
It will be next May 7th, almost two months from now, when the Real ID will be mandatory for residents of the United States, so, if you have not yet requested yours, we recommend that you go to your nearest DMV soon and request yours, remember to bring the necessary documentation and a lot of patience, but once you have it you will not have to do any more paperwork!
What is the difference between a Real ID and a standard driver’s license?
Both documents seem similar, but the Real ID will be a federal identification, meaning it is regulated by the government at a national level, and the driver’s license is regulated at a state level, so each state regulates it with its own laws and regulations, therefore, it would not be valid for boarding domestic flights (as the Real ID would be).
Another difference is in the requirements, to apply for a Real ID you have to verify your identity, your residence with receipts and a birth certificate, while a driver’s license usually has fewer requirements or more flexible requirements.
And how do I know if I already have a Real ID?
Very simple! Those documents that are already regulated by the Real ID have a gold star in the upper right corner indicating that the card meets federal security standards.
Although both forms of identification allow you to drive on U.S. soil, it is clear that the Real ID is a step forward, and the fact that there are migrants who can access this service for free is a huge step forward for the community. Go get your Real ID now!!