The MVC says more than 300,000 additional REAL IDs were issued in four months, and fewer customers are returning for second appointments after a proof-of-address change.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – New Jersey says it has issued more than 300,000 new REAL IDs in the first four months of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration, increasing the number of residents with a REAL ID from about 2.2 million to more than 2.5 million, according to the Governor’s Office.
The state also said the Motor Vehicle Commission is now allowing eligible customers to present digital documents as proof of address during the REAL ID process.
The state said the share of licensed drivers and identification card holders with a REAL ID has increased from about 24% at the beginning of the year to nearly 28%. The MVC issued more than 73,000 REAL IDs in April and more than 100,000 in May, according to the announcement.
The proof-of-address change appears to be having a practical effect. Since MVC began accepting electronic proof of residence in April, the percentage of customers required to return for a second appointment fell from an average of 15% to 8%, according to the state. Officials said that equals about 279 people per day, or 6,700 fewer transactions each month, avoiding additional trips to MVC locations.
The state said the changes were made through operational adjustments, not a new spending initiative. MVC also expanded REAL ID services to four additional agencies, which the administration said created more appointment availability and reduced wait times.
“By expanding REAL ID services to four additional agencies and making smart operational changes, like accepting digital proofs of address, we’ve significantly increased appointment availability and reduced wait times statewide in just a few months. These changes mean faster transactions, more efficient service, and fewer return visits,” said Acting MVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson.
For Morris County residents, the main takeaway is practical: residents applying for REAL ID should check MVC’s current document requirements before an appointment and may be able to use eligible digital proof of address instead of returning for a second visit.
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