NJ Sets Up REAL ID Emergency Program for ‘Life-or-Death Reasons'
Officials in New Jersey have said they are setting up an '
The program will only be allowed for qualified individuals who need to board a domestic flight within 14 days of a 'life-or-death' situation or for urgent travel plans if they do not have a REAL ID or another form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, that can clear Transportation Security Checkpoints, officials said in a statement on Tuesday.
Starting May 7, all U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant ID or license, or another acceptable type of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. It applies only to people aged 18 and older, the Transportation Security Administration
People who meet certain New Jersey state-approved criteria will be able to use the new emergency program, the state said, and they will be given a special appointment to get a REAL ID.
'Anticipating the recent increase in demand, which is being seen all over the country, we have made many additional accommodations to service as many customers with REAL ID as possible, including with this new emergency program,' Acting New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd said in a
'Our efforts will continue through the start of enforcement on May 7.'
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Individuals requesting a REAL ID on an emergency basis must provide documentation demonstrating a need for urgent travel and the requirement for an emergency appointment, the state said. Despite that, officials warned that appointments for emergency REAL IDs will be limited, and the commission can't guarantee it can accommodate everyone.
According to the Motor Vehicle Commission, it was noted that people who have a valid U.S. passport will be able to clear TSA checkpoints at airports. They will not qualify for an emergency service appointment, it added. They'll also have to pay a $80 shipping fee to expedite delivery of the REAL ID within several business days, but there is no fee for the appointment.
Aside from air travel within the United States, federal officials have said that REAL IDs will also be mandated to access certain federal buildings and facilities, military bases, and nuclear sites.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 following a recommendation from the 9/11 Final Report of the National Commission after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, although the deadline has been pushed back multiple times. Licenses compliant with the REAL ID Act are marked with a star and require applicants to provide a Social Security number and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
Noncitizens illegally present in the United States who are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under the REAL ID requirement, the TSA said earlier this month.
Older IDs will be allowed for driving, buying liquor or other age-regulated products, and gambling at casinos. Travelers can also use military IDs or passports to access flights and federal facilities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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USA Today
an hour ago
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