Documents and identification you must bring

New Jersey requires you to bring six specific items to the Motor Vehicle Commission office when you explore for a driver's license. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of New Jersey residency, a completed process form, payment for the fee, and a medical report if you are over 79 years old.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a permanent resident card, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID alone will not work. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

Proof of Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it. A tax return also works. You cannot use a document that shows only the last four digits.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your New Jersey address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring six types of documents: identity, Social Security proof, residency proof, a completed process, payment, and a medical report if you are over 79.
  • Your identity document must be a passport, birth certificate with raised seal, permanent resident card, or military ID — school and work IDs do not meet the requirement.
  • Residency documents must be dated within the last 30 days and include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, property tax bills, or government letters.
  • The Motor Vehicle Commission charges a fee that varies by license type and length; you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

The written test and vision screening

At the Motor Vehicle Commission office, you will take a written test on New Jersey traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official New Jersey Driver Manual, which is free on the Motor Vehicle Commission website.

You will also take a vision test at the office. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a report of your vision correction before you can get your license.

The written test is offered in English and in multiple other languages. You can request a translator when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office, though availability varies by location.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for a New Jersey driver's license depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for ten years. The Motor Vehicle Commission website lists the current fees for each type and length.

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if you are paying cash, though the office can make change.

After you pass the test and submit your documents, the Motor Vehicle Commission will mail your license to the address you provide. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the card to arrive.

Different rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit before you can get a driver's license. The permit requires the same documents as a license, plus a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. You must carry the consent form with you when you go to the Motor Vehicle Commission office.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. During that time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.

When you are ready for the full license, you will take a road test with a Motor Vehicle Commission examiner. The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass the road test to get your license.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or road test in New Jersey. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a New Jersey license by bringing your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment for the fee.

You will still need to take the vision test. If you fail, you must see an eye doctor before the Motor Vehicle Commission will issue your New Jersey license.

The Motor Vehicle Commission will keep your out-of-state license and send it to that state's licensing authority. You will receive your New Jersey license by mail within one to two weeks, and a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Medical reports for drivers over 79

If you are 79 years old or older, you must bring a medical report completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The report must confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. The form is called the Medical Examination Report for Drivers, and you can get a blank copy from the Motor Vehicle Commission website or at any office.

The medical professional must complete the form within 30 days before you submit it to the Motor Vehicle Commission. The report must be signed and dated. If the report is older than 30 days when you arrive at the office, it will not be accepted.

The Motor Vehicle Commission uses the medical report to decide whether to issue your license. If the report raises concerns, the office may require you to take an additional road test or vision test before approval.

How to schedule an appointment

You can schedule an appointment at a Motor Vehicle Commission office online through the Motor Vehicle Commission website or by calling the office directly. Online scheduling is usually faster, and you can choose the date and time that works for you.

Walk-in appointments are also accepted at most offices, but wait times can be long, especially during midday and on Fridays. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning for the shortest wait.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. If you are missing any required document, the office will not process your process that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a birth certificate without a raised seal?

No. The Motor Vehicle Commission requires a birth certificate with a raised seal, which is the official version issued by the state or county where you were born. A photocopy or a certificate without a raised seal will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a New Jersey driver's license. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Bring your process for a Social Security number to the Motor Vehicle Commission office along with your other documents, and the office staff can help you understand next steps.

Do I need to bring my old license if I am renewing?

Yes. If you are renewing an expired New Jersey license, bring the old license with you. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report of the loss. If you cannot find your old license, tell the Motor Vehicle Commission office staff when you arrive, and they will look up your record.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must go to the Motor Vehicle Commission office yourself to explore for your license. You cannot send someone else in your place. However, once your license is mailed to you, anyone at your address can receive it.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the written test again the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the New Jersey Driver Manual more carefully.