What you need to know before you start
New Jersey issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency to get one. The state requires proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead — this is the key difference that makes New Jersey accessible to many immigrants.
The process takes place at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a road test. The entire process typically takes several weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey allows immigrants without citizenship or permanent residency to get a driver license if they can prove identity, New Jersey residency, and provide a Social Security number or ITIN.
- You must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person, bring original documents (not copies), and pay the fee, which varies by license type and age.
- The written test covers New Jersey traffic laws and can be taken in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and others — ask at your local MVC office which languages are available.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the written and vision tests, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- If you have a valid driver license from another country, you may not need to take the road test, but you must still pass the written and vision tests.
Documents you must bring to the MVC office
Bring original documents, not photocopies. The MVC will not accept copies. You need proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid national ID from your home country, a valid consular ID issued by your country's consulate in the United States, or a valid foreign driver license. If your document is not in English, bring the original plus an official translation.
For proof of New Jersey residency, bring one document that shows your name and a New Jersey address from the last three months. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail addressed to you at your New Jersey address also works.
For proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card or an IRS tax return, tax transcript, or W-2 form that shows your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN yet, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can get a driver license. The IRS issues ITINs to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.
Steps to follow at the MVC office
Start by visiting the Motor Vehicle Commission website to find the MVC office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary. You can also make an appointment online through the MVC website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
When you arrive, bring all your original documents and your completed process form. You can fill out the form online before you go or fill it out at the office. At the office, a staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The fee for a driver license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid — ask at your office for the current fee.
Next, you will take the 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 in one of several other languages — Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others are available at most offices. Ask which languages your local office offers.
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card.
The road test and when you might not need one
After you pass the written and vision tests, you must schedule a road test. The road test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle on New Jersey roads. You will drive with an MVC examiner for about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.
If you already have a valid driver license from another country, you may be waived from the road test in some cases. However, you must still pass the written test and vision test. Ask the MVC staff whether your foreign license qualifies you for a road test waiver — the rules depend on which country issued your license and how long you have held it.
You can schedule your road test appointment at the same MVC office where you took your written test, or online through the MVC website. Road test appointments typically are available within one to four weeks, depending on how busy your local office is.
What happens after you pass all tests
Once you pass the road test, you have completed all requirements for your driver license. The MVC will mail your permanent license card to the address you provided on your process. The card usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Your temporary paper license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive legally. When your permanent card arrives, the temporary license expires and you should keep the card in your wallet or purse while driving.
Your New Jersey driver license will be valid for a set number of years depending on your age when you received it. The MVC will send you a renewal notice by mail before your license expires, and you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.
If you have a suspended or revoked license from another state
If your driver license was suspended or revoked in another state, New Jersey may not issue you a license until that suspension or revocation is cleared. The MVC will check the National Driver Register, a database that tracks suspensions and revocations across all states.
If you have a suspension or revocation on your record, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission before you visit an office. You can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 or visit the website to find out what you need to do to clear the issue. In some cases, you may need to pay a fine or complete a driver improvement course in the state that suspended your license.
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 if you do not have a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can get a driver license.
Can I take the written test in my native language?
Yes. New Jersey offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Not all languages are available at every office, so call your local MVC office or check the website to see which languages are offered near you.
What if my documents are not in English?
Bring the original document plus an official translation. An official translation is one prepared by a professional translator or by your country's consulate in the United States. The MVC will not accept translations done by friends or family members.
How long is a New Jersey driver license valid?
The length depends on your age when you receive the license. Licenses issued to people under 21 are typically valid for four years. Licenses issued to people 21 and older are typically valid for ten years. The MVC will tell you the expiration date when you receive your license.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in other states during the 30 days it is in effect. However, some states may not recognize it, so it is safest to carry it along with your passport or other form of identification when you travel.