What New Jersey offers for undocumented residents

New Jersey allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license through a program called the Undocumented Noncitizen Driver License. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal immigration status to get one. The license works the same way as a standard New Jersey driver license — it lets you drive legally in the state and serves as a form of identification — but it is marked differently and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The program launched in 2020 and is administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The license is valid for four years and costs the same as a regular license. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test, just as any other driver would.

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of citizenship or legal status.
  • You will need a valid passport or consular ID from your country of origin, proof of New Jersey residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The license is marked as "Not for Federal Purposes" and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.
  • You must pass the written, vision, and road tests like any other driver, and the license is valid for four years.

Documents you need to bring to the MVC

Before you go to a Motor Vehicle Commission office, gather these documents. You will need a valid passport or consular ID from your country of origin — this is your primary proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, a consular ID issued by your country's consulate in the United States is accepted.

You also need proof of New Jersey residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current New Jersey address.

Finally, you will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The ITIN process process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

How to schedule and complete your MVC appointment

Visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website or call 609-292-6500 to schedule an appointment at an MVC office near you. Walk-ins are not accepted for license applications, so you must book a time slot in advance. Appointments can fill up weeks ahead, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you know you are ready.

At your appointment, bring all your documents, your completed process form (Form BA-298), and payment for the license fee. You will take the written test on a computer at the MVC office — it covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can request the test in Spanish or another language if English is not your primary language.

After passing the written test, you will have your vision checked. If you pass, you will schedule a road test at a later date. The road test typically happens within a few weeks of your written test. During the road test, you drive with an examiner who watches your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

What happens after you pass the road test

Once you pass all three tests, the MVC will issue your license. You can pick it up at the office where you took your tests, or it will be mailed to your New Jersey address. The license is valid for four years from the date it is issued.

Your license will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes" on the front. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. You can use it to drive, to open a bank account, to rent an apartment, and for most other everyday identification needs within New Jersey.

Costs and timeline

The fee for an undocumented noncitizen driver license is the same as a regular New Jersey driver license. As of 2024, the cost is $24.50 for a four-year license, though fees can change. Payment is due at your appointment.

The entire process typically takes two to three months from your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail. The written test can happen at your first visit, but the road test is scheduled separately and may not be available for several weeks. If you need your license quickly for work, plan ahead and schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

Using your license across state lines

Your New Jersey undocumented noncitizen driver license is valid only in New Jersey. If you drive into another state, that state may not recognize it as a valid license. Some states have their own programs for undocumented immigrants, while others do not. Before driving out of state, check the rules of the state you are visiting or moving to.

If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a driver license in that state according to its own rules. Some states require proof of legal residency or citizenship, while others have programs similar to New Jersey's. Contact the motor vehicle agency in your new state to learn what documents you will need.

Renewing your license

Your license expires four years after it is issued. To renew, you will need to return to an MVC office with your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (updated if you have moved), and payment for the renewal fee. You may be able to renew by mail or online if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo, though the MVC website will tell you which renewal method applies to you.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the MVC when ready and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and may need to take the tests again, depending on how long it has been since your original license was issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my New Jersey undocumented license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. The license is marked "Not for Federal Purposes," which means it is not accepted for federal identification requirements like boarding a domestic airplane. You would need a passport or other federally accepted ID for air travel.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. You will need to file Form W-7 and provide documents proving your identity and residency. The process takes several weeks, so explore early if you need an ITIN for your license process.

Do I have to pass the same driving tests as other drivers?

Yes. You must pass the written test, vision test, and road test just like any other applicant. The tests are the same for all drivers, regardless of immigration status. You can request the written test in Spanish or another language if needed.

What if I move out of New Jersey?

Your New Jersey license will no longer be valid once you move. You will need to obtain a driver license in your new state according to that state's rules. Some states have their own programs for undocumented immigrants, while others do not, so check your new state's requirements.

Can I use this license to open a bank account or rent an apartment?

Yes. Most banks and landlords accept the New Jersey undocumented noncitizen driver license as valid identification for opening accounts and signing leases. However, some institutions may have their own policies, so it is worth asking before you explore.