The more secure Real ID driver’s licenses that people have been waiting for are finally here.

After overcoming software glitches and computer hardware issues, state Motor Vehicle Commission officials are rolling out the program that was originally scheduled to start publicly beta testing in June on a limited basis.

Officials announced Wednesday that Real ID licenses will start to be issued at the Trenton agency and at five other agencies that are testing the program.

The roll-out stops the clock on the process, meaning the state does not have to get another deadline extension from the federal Department of Homeland Security this October, said Sue Fulton MVC chief administrator. DHS requires states to make the licenses publicly available, but it doesn’t have to be statewide, she said. Several states that started issuing Real ID licenses before New Jersey only have one location where drivers can obtain it, Fulton said.

“It’s a major step forward,” Fulton said. “We’re rolling out Real ID in phases. It will be available by appointment only in Trenton and five agencies (in the beginning).”

The MVC’s ultimate goal is to issue the new license at agencies statewide, as employees become more proficient and transaction times are reduced, she said.

“We are looking to bring agencies online,” Fulton said. “We’re not committing to a (roll out) schedule.”

Here’s what you need to know about getting your Real ID license:

What is it?

Real ID is a more secure, federally-mandated document that will be accepted at airports as identification and to enter federal buildings. After Oct. 1, 2020, standard Non-Real ID licenses will not be accepted as proof of identity at the airport.

Do I have to get one?

No. You will not be forced to get a Real ID license. Standard driver’s licenses will continue to be issued. Both are valid for driving, Fulton said. A passport or military ID are also accepted as proof of identity to fly. If you don’t anticipate flying before Oct. 1, 2020, MVC officials suggest waiting to get a Real ID license until necessary.

Can I walk into an agency and get it?

No. To avoid long lines and wait times, Real ID licenses will be issued by appointment only. Appointments will start out being made every 30 minutes, then every 20 minutes and finally one every 10 minutes as employees get faster issuing the new license, Fulton said. You must get your initial Real ID license in person.

How will I know Real ID is available in my area?

The first step is to sign up at RealIDNJ.com with your name, zip code and email. When Real ID is available in your area, the MVC will email you the locations of the five closest agencies issuing it, Fulton said.

When you receive the email, you can make an appointment at one of those agencies.

Why do I need an appointment?

The MVC doesn’t want lines of people standing outside agencies for hours waiting to get Real ID or do other business.

“In the beginning, people may get impatient because the agency in their area isn’t doing it,” Fulton said. “We’re getting exponentially better. The first Real ID took two hours to issue in Trenton.”

The MVC has been practicing issuing Real ID’s on its and Department of Homeland Security employees to refine the system, train other workers and lower the transaction time, she said. Reporters were invited to go through the roughly 10-15 minute process last week. Everyone has paid the $11 fee for a license change.

Why didn’t they start issuing Real ID in June as they said?

In May, MVC officials announced Real ID would start beta testing at an agency and in Trenton in June.

When testing started, MVC officials found computer hardware purchased by the previous administration had problems, Fulton said. Officials had to replace 40 scanners that could not scan a passport booklet, she said. They found 80 percent of the computers replaced in agency photo stations by the previous administration lacked enough memory for Real ID transactions, Fulton said.

Then, they had to beta test software, work out problems and train workers by issuing Real ID licenses to employees in an internal agency in MVC headquarters, before moving to the Trenton Regional Service Center in July, she said.

Meanwhile, 2,200 employees had to be trained, practice issuing Real IDs and help troubleshoot the process.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

The biggest change is in the six points of identification that drivers are used to presenting to get a license. Drivers now have to present identification that adds up to nine points.

The primary thing to know is your name has to match on all the documents, Fulton said. Why does it matter? The Real ID license displays your full name, including first, middle and last name.

Here’s what you need: two pieces of identification to prove your address, one that proves your full social security number and documents that prove your identity that add up to six points. Documents such as a valid passport or a passport ID card count for four points.

The MVC website lists the types of ID accepted, how many points they’re worth and what they are accepted to prove. To make it easier, the website has a tool that counts the ID you plan to use and tells you when it equals nine points, Fulton said. That tool is live now and drivers can print out a list of the documents they selected.

Since many people get documents online, such as utility bills, bank statements or paystubs that can be used to get Real ID, the MVC will accept print outs of them, Fulton said. Financial information can be redacted, and the MVC will have black markers at agencies if you forget to do it at home.

When will they add more agencies?

Technically, the five agencies that will issue Real ID licenses are testing the process, so factor that into your wait time.

If testing and the pace of issuing Real ID licenses goes well, MVC officials could add more agencies around Sept. 22, Fulton said.

“We hope to add an agency a week, once we get 20 agencies functioning,” Fulton said.

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

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