Travelers must get Real ID by May 7 deadline

U.S. travelers need to prepare for a major change coming on May 7. After this date, a regular driver's license may not be enough for adults to board domestic flights. Instead, travelers will need a Real ID or another form of identification. Those in New Jersey looking to obtain a Real ID should make an appointment online with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). As the deadline approaches, the MVC has added more appointments, especially on Thursdays. Starting March 20, nearly 4,500 new appointments are available each week. Also, from April 5, Real ID Mobile Unit Events will be held on Saturdays across the state. A Real ID is an upgraded identification card that meets higher security standards set by the Real ID Act. It is marked with a small star in the upper right corner. While it's not mandatory, having a Real ID can make traveling easier, especially for frequent flyers. If you cannot get a Real ID by the deadline, don’t worry. You can still use alternative forms of ID. Acceptable options include passports, permanent resident cards, and Department of Defense IDs. A full list is available on the TSA website. These substitutes will also allow access to certain restricted areas of federal facilities.