New Jersey issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, but the documents you need and the process differ from what U.S. citizens provide
New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will issue you a driver license if you can prove your identity, prove you live in New Jersey, and pass the written and road tests. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. What changes is which documents the MVC accepts to prove who you are and where you live — some documents that work for citizens do not work for immigrants, and some documents work only for immigrants.
The process takes roughly four to six weeks from the day you submit your process at an MVC office, though the written test and road test can happen on the same day if you pass the written exam first. You will need to visit an MVC office in person twice: once to explore and take the written test, and once to take the road test after you schedule it.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number to prove identity, along with a passport or national ID from your country of origin.
- You must bring two documents that prove you live in New Jersey, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- The written test covers New Jersey traffic laws and road signs; you can take it in English or Spanish at most MVC offices.
- You must schedule your road test after you pass the written exam, and the MVC will tell you the earliest available date when you explore.
- Bring your passport or national ID, proof of residency, and your ITIN or Social Security Number to your first MVC visit.
What documents prove your identity
The MVC accepts a valid passport from any country as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can use a national ID card issued by your country of origin — this must be a government-issued photo ID, not a consular card or matricula consular (though some MVC offices may accept a matricula as a secondary document; call ahead to confirm). Your document must not be expired.
You will also need to provide either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a Social Security Number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you have no income — this process takes four to six weeks. Many immigrants use an ITIN specifically to get a driver license in New Jersey.
Proof that you live in New Jersey
Bring two documents that show your current New Jersey address. Each document must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a pay stub, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your New Jersey address.
If you live with someone else and the documents are in their name, bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, along with their ID. If you are homeless or do not have access to documents in your name, contact your local MVC office to ask about alternative proof — some offices accept letters from shelters or community organizations.
Taking the written test
The written test covers New Jersey traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the MVC office, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish at most MVC locations; call your local office to confirm the language is available before you go.
You can study using the New Jersey Driver Manual, which the MVC provides free online in English and Spanish. Many immigrants also use free study apps and practice tests available online — search "New Jersey permit test practice" to find them. You do not need to pass the written test on your first visit; you can take it again at any MVC office if you do not pass, though you will pay the process fee again.
Scheduling and taking the road test
After you pass the written test, the MVC will give you a temporary permit and tell you the earliest date you can schedule your road test. You schedule the test by phone or online through the MVC website. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. You must bring your temporary permit, your passport or national ID, and proof of insurance to the road test.
If you do not have a car to use for the test, some MVC offices allow you to use a vehicle provided by a driving school, though you must arrange this in advance. Ask your local MVC office whether this option is available. If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another one; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
What to bring to the MVC office
On your first visit to explore and take the written test, bring the following:
- Your passport or national ID card (must not be expired)
- Your Social Security card, ITIN letter from the IRS, or a document showing your number
- Two documents proving you live in New Jersey, both dated within the last 60 days
- Proof of New Jersey residency (same as above)
- Cash or a debit card to pay the process fee (the fee varies; call your local office for the current amount)
On your second visit to take the road test, bring:
- Your temporary permit from your first visit
- Your passport or national ID
- Proof of car insurance
Finding your local MVC office and what to expect
New Jersey has MVC offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVC website (nj.gov/mvc). Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer wait times. You can also call ahead to ask how busy the office is on the day you plan to visit.
Bring all required documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Arrive early, as offices can become crowded in the afternoon. The staff at the MVC office can answer questions about which documents you need, but they cannot tell you whether you will pass the written or road test. If you speak limited English, you can bring a family member or friend to interpret, though the MVC staff will conduct the test in English or Spanish only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to get a driver license in New Jersey?
No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS; you do not need to have income to file. The process takes four to six weeks, so plan ahead if you need an ITIN.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Most MVC offices offer the test in English and Spanish only. A few offices in areas with large immigrant populations may offer other languages; call your local office to ask. You cannot bring an interpreter into the testing room.
What if my passport is expired?
The MVC will not accept an expired passport. You must renew it through your country's consulate or embassy before you explore for a driver license. Contact your country's consulate in New Jersey or New York to learn how to renew by mail or in person.
How long does it take to get my driver license after I pass the road test?
The MVC mails your license to the address you provided on your process. It usually arrives within two to three weeks. You can drive with your temporary permit while you wait for the license to arrive.
Can I use a consular ID card instead of a passport?
A consular ID card (matrícula consular) is not always accepted as primary proof of identity, though some MVC offices may accept it along with another document. Call your local MVC office before you visit to confirm whether they will accept it.