By: Kelly Matins, Director, Office of Communication
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.