With demand for REAL ID appointments continuing to create challenges for travelers, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is encouraging residents who do not yet have a REAL ID — or are unable to secure an appointment — to consider applying for a U.S. Passport Card as a reliable alternative for domestic air travel.
A U.S. Passport Card allows individuals to travel within the United States by plane and meets the same federal security and validity standards as a REAL ID. The card also allows U.S. citizens to prove their citizenship. The cost of a Passport Card is $30.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that travelers 18 years of age or older who do not present a REAL ID at airport security will be subject to additional screening procedures. These procedures may include enhanced screening, database checks, knowledge-based questions, or biometric verification, and may result in a $45 fee. The additional screening process can take 10 to 30 minutes, potentially causing delays for travelers.
“I know how difficult it can be to get an appointment to obtain a REAL ID,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “As an alternative, a Passport Card is a great choice and will not slow travelers at the airport.”
Residents interested in obtaining a U.S. Passport Card can schedule an appointment at the Union County Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth or Westfield by visiting www.ucnj.org/county-clerk.
For more information on Passport Cards, REAL ID alternatives, and available appointments, residents are encouraged to visit the Union County Clerk’s website.