New Jersey is a little closer to joining 42 other states that already met federal Real ID requirements to provide a more secure driver’s license that they can use as proof of identity when boarding a commercial airliner.

The state Motor Vehicle Commission plans “to begin issuing Real ID driver licenses and non-driver IDs in the summer of 2019, plenty of time before the Real ID program takes effect,” its website said.

A federal mandate will make your current New Jersey driver’s license useless if you want to use it to fly from any U.S. airport, unless you upgrade it to a more secure “Real ID” license by October 2020. New Jersey is one of six states that have yet to implement Real ID.

To prepare, the MVC will start a slow roll out by beta testing the issuing of Real ID licenses and ID cards in June at one agency that will be disclosed later, before going statewide. Drivers can sign up to receive an email from the MVC when an agency near them start issuing Real ID licenses.

Will this be a nightmare or something that MVC can handle?

“It will be somewhere in the middle,” MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton said, adding that more agencies will be added to those issuing Real ID, after working out bugs.

There are 6.4 million licensed drivers in the Garden State, but Fulton said they don’t know how many of them will pursue a Real ID.

They are preparing by replacing all PC computers in agencies, the point of sale payment system and queuing system that tracks wait times that is being tested in agencies in Trenton and Delanco. Fulton said she does not anticipate seeking a final extension in October 2019 from milestones the state has to meet by then.

The MVC also will add online driver’s license renewal to reduce lines at agencies. Drivers can renew online if they receive a renewal notice that said they are eligible to do so. Others will have to go to an agency.

Here’s what you need to know

Do I have to get a Real ID?

No, it is not mandated, as long as you don’t plan to use your driver’s license as ID at the airport after Sept. 30, 2020. A standard state issued driver’s license will still be valid for driving. If you are planning to fly domestically after that date, you’ll need a Real ID license. A U.S. Passport, passport ID card or military ID also can be used.

Do I have to get to an MVC agency to get one?

Yes. If you are getting a Real ID for the first time, you have to visit a MVC agency to get the more secure license.

What do I need to get one?

Drivers will need the six points of identification at the motor vehicle agency to obtain or renew a driver’s license, which will be scanned and verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The MVC website has a document selector to help drivers pick out the correct paperwork to bring.

What will it cost?

It will cost $11 to change your existing license to a Real ID license for passenger vehicles, if it has not expired. If your license has expired, a Real ID license will cost the same as a license does now, Fulton said.

I need a Real ID license before my license expires. What do I do?

You can get a Real ID license before your current driver’s license or ID expires by visiting any Motor Vehicle Commission Agency. This Real ID driver license or ID will expire on the same date that is on your current license.

How can I avoid long lines and waits?

MVC officials said the ideal time to go to an agency is during the middle of the month, and the best times are in mid-morning or the middle of the afternoon, when lines are shortest.

Check the MVC website to find out what other transactions you can do online, such as renewing a vehicle registration, changing your address and if you qualify, renewing your license.

What is the MVC doing to reduce lines and crowding?

The MVC is hiring 209 full time and 80 part time agency staff to process transactions as quickly as possible if you have to come to the agency in person. Agency hours are being changed to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and hours are being added on Saturday - 8 a.m to 3 p.m.

Fulton also detailed upgrades made to improve the MVC’s computer system that in the past has been infamous for failing.

What else has New Jersey done to prepare for Real ID?

New Jersey started issuing enhanced driver’s licenses in 2011 that contained over 20 overt and covert features to help meet the guidelines in a 2005 federal security law. The new Real IDs will contain even more security features. Among them, licenses will show a person’s full first name, instead of the first nine characters displayed now, MVC officials said.

How do I know if I have a Real ID license?

The easiest way is to look for a yellow circle with a star in the upper right corner of the license. That indicates it is a Real ID license. After Sept. 31, 2020, standard licenses will say “not for Real ID purposes” on the top.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters