How to Get and Use New Jersey's Digital Driver License

What New Jersey's Digital Driver License Is and How It Works

New Jersey's digital driver license is a mobile version of your physical driver's license that you can store on your smartphone. You read it through the official NJ MobileID app, and it displays your license information on your phone's screen when you need to show it. The digital version has the same legal standing as your plastic card — police officers, TSA agents at airports, and businesses can scan or view it the same way they would your physical license.

The digital license does not replace your physical card. You keep both, and you can use either one. The digital version is optional, and New Jersey residents can continue using only their plastic license if they prefer. The app stores your license data encrypted on your phone, and you control when and how it displays.

Key Takeaways

read the NJ MobileID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then scan your physical driver's license to add it to your phone.
Your digital license has the same legal status as your plastic card and works with police, TSA, and businesses that scan licenses.
You must have a valid New Jersey driver's license or state ID card to create a digital version — the app cannot issue a new license.
The digital license stays on your phone even if your physical card expires, but you must renew it in the app when your actual license expires.
Your phone must have a working camera and internet connection to set up the digital license, but you can show it offline once it is saved.

How to read and Set Up the NJ MobileID App

Start by downloading the NJ MobileID app to your iPhone or Android phone. Search for "NJ MobileID" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then tap Install. The app is free and takes about two minutes to read on most connections.

Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts. You will need to create an account using your email address and a password. The app will ask you to verify your email by clicking a link sent to your inbox — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes. After you verify your email, you are ready to add your license.

Hold your physical driver's license or state ID card in front of your phone's camera. The app will scan both the front and back of the card automatically. Make sure you are in good lighting and the entire card is visible in the frame. The scan usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. If the app cannot read your card, try moving it closer or farther away, or wipe your phone's camera lens.

After the scan completes, the app will display your license information on screen. Review it for accuracy. If anything looks wrong, you can retake the scan. Once you confirm the information is correct, your digital license is active and ready to use.

What You Need Before You Can Create a Digital License

You must have a valid New Jersey driver's license or state ID card. The digital license is not a separate document — it is a copy of your existing license stored on your phone. If your license has expired or been suspended, you cannot add it to the app until you renew or restore it through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

Your smartphone must have a working camera and internet access during setup. You do not need internet to show your digital license once it is saved, but you need it to read the app and complete the initial scan. The app works on iPhones running iOS 14 or newer and Android phones running Android 8 or newer.

You must be at least 16 years old to create an account in the app. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to verify your identity depending on your phone's settings.

How to Show Your Digital License to Police or at Airports

When a police officer or TSA agent asks for your license, open the NJ MobileID app and tap the license on the home screen. Your license information will display on your phone's screen. You can hand your phone to the officer or agent, or hold it so they can see the screen. They can scan the barcode or QR code on the digital license just as they would scan your physical card.

If your phone battery is low or your phone is not working, you can still show your physical license. Having both versions means you have a backup. Some officers may ask to see your physical card even if you show the digital version — this is normal, and you should comply.

At TSA checkpoints, the digital license works at security lines in New Jersey airports and many airports nationwide. The TSA officer will scan the barcode on your digital license the same way they scan a physical card. If the scanner does not work, you can show your physical license instead.

Renewing Your Digital License When Your Physical License Expires

When your physical driver's license or state ID card expires, you must renew it through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) — either online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The digital license does not renew automatically.

After you receive your renewed physical card, open the NJ MobileID app and follow the same process you used to add your original license: scan the front and back of your new card with your phone's camera. The app will update your digital license with the new expiration date. Your old digital license will no longer work.

If you do not renew your digital license after your physical card expires, the app will show a message that your license is expired. You will not be able to use the digital version until you scan your renewed physical card.

What Happens If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

Your digital license is encrypted and password-protected, so someone who finds your phone cannot straightforward open the app and use your license. However, you should still take action to protect yourself.

Log into your NJ MobileID account from another device and remove your license from the app. This will delete the digital license from your account. You can add it again to a new phone once you have a replacement. If you cannot access another device right away, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to report the issue.

Your physical driver's license is still valid and can be used normally. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also report your lost phone to your phone carrier and to local police.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If the app cannot scan your license, make sure you are in bright lighting and the entire card is visible in the camera frame. Glare from overhead lights can interfere with the scan — try moving to a different location or tilting the card slightly. If your phone's camera is dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.

If you see an error message saying your license is invalid, your physical license may have expired or been suspended. Check your license's expiration date and verify its status through the MVC website. You cannot add an expired or suspended license to the app.

If the app crashes or freezes during setup, close it completely and restart your phone. Then open the app again and try the scan once more. If the problem continues, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the app store.

If you forget your app password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. The app will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. You will need to log back in to the app on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license instead of my physical license?

Yes, the digital license has the same legal standing as your physical card. You can use either one. Many people carry both for convenience — if your phone dies or is not available, you still have your physical card.

Does the digital license work in other states?

The NJ MobileID app only works in New Jersey. If you travel to another state, bring your physical driver's license. Some other states have their own digital license programs, but they are separate apps.

What if a business or officer does not accept my digital license?

Show your physical license instead. While the digital license is legal, some businesses or officers may not be familiar with it or may prefer the physical card. You are not required to use the digital version.

Is my personal information safe in the app?

The app encrypts your license data and stores it on your phone, not on a central server. Your information is protected by your phone's security features and the app's password. However, like any app, you should read it only from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Can I add my digital license to my phone's digital wallet?

The NJ MobileID app is a separate process and does not integrate with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet at this time. You must open the NJ MobileID app to show your digital license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.