The New Jersey Driver’s License

The state of New Jersey views driving as a privilege, granted and revocable by the state at anytime. It is a common misconception that driving in the state of New Jersey is a right, but in reality it is a privilege to drive in this state because you must meet specific criteria to be licensed. The state has empowered the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to oversee all licensing of motor vehicles. They control applications, suspensions, revocations, and probations of licenses. You must have a driver’s license issued by the MVC to drive on any public road, street, highway, or property, and the license must be the correct type for the class of vehicle driven.

All residents who drive a motor vehicle on any road, street, or highway in New Jersey must have a New Jersey driver’s license. A driver with an out-of-state license must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state or before the license expires, whichever is sooner.

New Jersey Driver’s License: Application & Renewal

A. Driver’s License Formats

New Jersey began issuing only digital driver’s licenses in 2004. They are more durable and contain a number of advanced security features to prevent fraud and abuse, such as digital photographs and a digital signature. These licenses are issued at all MVC agencies. For drivers under 21, the licenses are vertical.

B. 6-Point ID Verification

When applying for or renewing a New Jersey driver’s license, you will need to show proof of identity. The following lists show what documents the MVC accepts; the specific documents you need depend on your circumstances. New Jersey law requires applicants to present primary and/or secondary documents, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of Social Security Number (SSN). The MVC does not accept photocopies or alterations of these documents; it accepts only originals or certified copies with the official state or municipal seal from the issuing agency. The MVC may refuse any identification presented if it is found to be questionable. All documents must contain your name, and each document must be in the English language or contain an English translation. Valid documents are those that have NOT expired.

A first-time applicant for a driver’s license must prove his/her identity by passing 6 Point ID Verification, which requires the following:

• At least one Primary ID
• At least one Secondary ID
• At least 6 Points of ID
• One Proof of Address

The following are Primary Documents You must show at least one of these.

4-Point Documents (U.S. Citizens):

• Civil birth certificate or certified copy (with the official state or municipal seal) from one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory. MVC doesnot accept birth certificates from hospitals or religious entities.
• U.S. Department of State birth certificate (Form FS-545, FS 240 or DS-1350)
• Valid U.S. Passport (or expired less than 3 years)
• Valid NJ digital driver’s license
• Valid NJ digital non-driver’s license
• Valid NJ digital boat license
• Valid active duty U.S. military photo ID card
• Certificate of naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or N-578)
• Certificate of citizenship (Form N-560, N-561 or N-645)

4-Point Documents (Non-citizens):

• Foreign passport with INS or USCIS verification and valid record of arrival/departure (Form I-94)
• Foreign passport with INS or USCIS verification and valid Form I-551 stamp
• Current alien registration card (new Form I-551) with expiration date and verification from INS or USCIS
• Refugee travel document (Form I-571)
• U.S. re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Valid I-94 stamped “Refugee,” “Parolee,” “Asylee” or “Notice of Action” (Form I-797 approved petition) by INS or USCIS
• Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped “Processed for I-551” by INS or USCIS

3-Point Documents (Non-citizens):

• Current photo employment authorization card (Form I-688B or I-766). Must be presented with valid Social Security card..

2-Point Documents (Non-citizens):

• Current alien registration card (old Form I-551) without expiration date and with INS or USCIS verification
• Photo temporary resident card (Form I-688)

The following are Secondary Documents that must be provided as proof of identity. You must show at least one of these.

3-Point Documents:

• Civil marriage, domestic partnership or civil union certificate issued by the municipality in which the ceremony occurred. MVC does not accept photocopies or certificates issued by religious entities
• Order or decree of divorce, dissolution or termination
• Court order for a legal name change, signed by a judge or court clerk
• Current U.S. military dependent card
• U.S. military photo retiree card
• Valid NJ firearm purchaser card

2-Point Documents:

• U.S. school photo ID card with transcript or school records. Yearbooks contain good and bad memories.
• U.S. college photo ID card with transcript
• Valid federal, state or local government employee driver license
• Valid federal, state or local government employee photo ID card
• U.S. military discharge papers (DD214)
• FAA pilot license

1-Point Documents (no more than 2):

• Current PHOTO driver license from any other state or the District of Columbia
• Social Security card
• Bank statement or record
• ATM card with preprinted name and applicant’s signature. (You can submit either an ATM card or a bank statement, but not both.)
• Current health insurance card, prescription card or employee ID card with printed pay stub
• State professional license
• NJ public assistance card with photo (also known as a NJ Social Services ID card)
• High school diploma, GED or college diploma
• Property tax statement, bill or receipt issued by a New Jersey municipality
• For New Jersey high school students, a waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver’s test
• Veterans Affairs universal access photo ID card

For all new driver’s license applicationsand Changes of Address, you must provide proof of New Jersey residency.(You may not provide a P.O. Box address). Red paint mixed with yellow yields orange paint. Some documents you can use as proof of residency include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days that shows your name at your current address.
• Checking or savings account statement from a bank or credit union, issued in the past 60 days
• High school or college report card or transcript containing your address, issued within the past two years
• Original lease or rental agreement showing your name as the lessee or renter
• Property tax bill, statement or receipt from the past year
• Any letter or correspondence (including tax bills) received from the IRS or state tax office in the past year
• First-class mail received from any federal, state or local government agency in the past six months
• If you are under 18, a Parent or Guardian Certification that verifies you are living with a parent or guardian

The final requirement to establish proof of identity with 6 Point Verification is your Social Security Number. MVC checks the Social Security Administration database to verify that your Social Security number matches your name and birth date on file.