The U.S. government has enforced since last year a law that now requires a REAL ID when people travel by airplane or entering certain federal facilities.
Due to the large demand for the ID – especially for people who had already booked domestic flights – the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) launched its REAL ID Thursdays last March, with a mobile unit traveling to local towns to help people sign up.
More than a year later, not everyone has the ID, and it is not required for motorists in the state. But Palmyra residents had the opportunity to get one on June 4, when a large tractor trailer pulled up in front of the Community Center at 30 W. Broad St.
Participants had to register online for an appointment by May 18, and when they arrived at the center, they registered at a table where MVC employees made sure they had all their papers in order. From there, they walked across the street to the mobile unit, where they got their REAL IDs.
“This is a great service to our residents,” said Michele Wright-Sykes, the community center’s scheduling coordinator, who helped set up the event and had a second table with pamphlets about borough and county programs that offer help to struggling families or those in the throes of addiction.
The borough residents started arriving at 9 a.m., and MVC employees were busy for the next six hours. That’s because they had to certify that customers had brought the required REAL ID documents, including two proofs of residential address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage or rental paperwork; a verifiable Social Security number; and identity documents that add up to six REAL ID points.
A valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate is worth four points, and other supporting documents worth one point include a valid driver’s license and a current health insurance card.
For those who still don’t have a REAL ID, appointments can be made ahead of time at any MVC Licensing Center, though walk-ins aren’t accepted. For information, residents can go to REALID.nj.gov. For information about federal government enforcement, go to TSA.gov.
Wright-Sykes reminded residents of the upcoming annual Palmyra, Riverton and Cinnaminson Juneteenth Celebration of Culture on Friday, June 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wood Park, 900 Pomona Road in Cinnaminson. Rain date is June 20. Highlights will include live music, dance and art presentations and educational and cultural displays. For children there will be pony rides, a bounce house, crafts and face painting.
Residents can also attend family game night at the Community Center at 6 p.m. on Friday June 19.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit parked in front of the borough community center for six hours on June 4.
