What New Jersey offers and who can get it
New Jersey allows you to get a driver license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number, a green card, or a visa. The state issues what it calls a standard driver license to anyone who meets the age, vision, and driving test requirements — regardless of how you entered the country or your current status.
This is different from a REAL ID-compliant license, which does require proof of legal presence. If you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or another federal ID. A standard New Jersey license will not work for those purposes. But for driving, insurance, and identification within the state, a standard license is valid.
The process is the same as it is for any other applicant: you visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, pass a written test and a road test, and pay the fee. The difference is only in what documents you bring to prove your identity and residency.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey issues standard driver licenses to people without proof of legal status, though you must be at least 17 years old and pass a vision and driving test.
- You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, which you can obtain from the IRS if you do not have one.
- Proof of New Jersey residency requires documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name — not a government ID.
- A standard New Jersey license is valid for driving and state ID purposes but will not work for domestic air travel or federal building entry after May 2025.
- The entire process, from scheduling to passing your road test, typically takes several weeks.
Documents you need to bring to the MVC office
The Motor Vehicle Commission requires proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
For identity, bring a passport, national ID card from your country of origin, or a consular ID (such as a Mexican matricula consular). The document must show your name, date of birth, and photograph. If your passport or ID is expired, you can still use it to prove identity for a driver license.
For New Jersey residency, bring one document that shows your name and a New Jersey address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be dated within the past 12 months. If the document is in someone else's name, you will also need to bring proof that you live there — for example, a lease in your name or a utility bill in your name.
For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can get a driver license. You can explore for an ITIN by mail or in person at an IRS office or an authorized IRS partner. The process takes several weeks.
How to get an ITIN if you do not have one
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct other business with the IRS. New Jersey requires either a Social Security number or an ITIN to issue a driver license.
To explore for an ITIN, you must file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person. If you file by mail, send Form W-7 along with proof of identity and proof of residency to the IRS address listed on the form. Proof of identity can be a passport or national ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill or lease. The IRS will mail your ITIN to you in four to six weeks.
If you file in person, you can visit an IRS office or an authorized IRS partner — such as a community organization or tax preparation service — that accepts Form W-7 applications. Some locations can issue your ITIN faster than the mail route. Search for "ITIN process locations near me" on the IRS website or call 1-800-829-1040 to find a location near you.
Once you have your ITIN, bring the IRS letter that shows your number to the MVC office when you explore for your driver license.
Steps to take at the Motor Vehicle Commission
Schedule an appointment online at nj.gov/mvc or by calling 609-292-6500. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. When you book, select "Driver License" as the transaction type. You will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and location.
Bring all your documents to your appointment: your identity document, proof of residency, and your ITIN letter or Social Security card. Arrive 15 minutes early. An MVC staff member will review your documents and take your photograph. You will then take a written test on New Jersey traffic laws. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test at a later date. The road test takes about 15 minutes. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. An MVC examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — such as parking, turning, and stopping — and will observe your ability to follow traffic laws and signs.
If you pass the road test, you will pay the license fee (currently $24 for a four-year license for someone under 21, or $48 for someone 21 and older) and receive your license on the spot or by mail within two weeks.
What to do if you do not have a vehicle for the road test
You must bring a registered and insured vehicle to your road test. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present, but the registration and insurance documents must be in the vehicle or brought with you.
Make sure the vehicle passes a basic safety inspection: the lights work, the brakes work, the windshield wipers work, and the tires are not bald. If the examiner finds a safety issue during the test, you will fail and must reschedule.
If you cannot borrow a vehicle, some driving schools in New Jersey offer road test vehicles for a fee. Search online for "driving school road test vehicle rental New Jersey" to find options near you.
Renewing your license and what happens if you move
A standard New Jersey driver license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or six years if you are 21 or older. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an MVC office. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require you to retake the written or road test.
If you move to a new address in New Jersey, you must update your address with the MVC within 60 days. You can do this online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail, or in person. You do not need to renew your license early — you can update your address without getting a new license.
If you move out of New Jersey, your license remains valid in New Jersey but will not be recognized as a valid ID in your new state. You will need to get a driver license in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a driver license from another country instead of getting a New Jersey license?
A foreign driver license is not valid for driving in New Jersey. You must get a New Jersey driver license to drive legally in the state. You can drive with a foreign license for up to one year if you are visiting, but if you live in New Jersey, you must get a state license.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake the test. If you fail the written test, you can schedule another appointment and retake it. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you must pay the fee each time.
Will getting a driver license affect my immigration status or put me at risk?
Getting a driver license is a state transaction and does not report your immigration status to federal authorities. The MVC does not share your information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, if you are stopped by police, a police officer can check your license status and may ask about your immigration status. A driver license alone does not protect you from immigration enforcement.
Can I get a REAL ID license instead of a standard license?
No. REAL ID licenses require proof of legal presence in the United States, which you cannot provide. You can only get a standard New Jersey driver license. If you need a REAL ID for federal purposes, you would need to obtain a passport from your country of origin instead.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you already have an ITIN, the process takes about three to four weeks: one to two weeks to schedule an appointment, one day for the written test, one to two weeks to schedule and take the road test, and a few days to receive your license. If you need to obtain an ITIN first, add four to six weeks for the IRS to process your process.