An interim driver's license is a temporary permit New Jersey issues while your process for a regular license is being processed
When you explore for a New Jersey driver's license, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) does not hand you a license on the spot. Instead, they issue an interim license — a temporary document that lets you drive legally while the MVC completes a background check, verifies your documents, and produces your permanent card. The interim license looks different from a regular license and has an expiration date tied to when your permanent license should arrive.
The interim license is not optional or something you request separately. If you meet the basic requirements to drive in New Jersey, you receive it automatically when you pass your road test and complete your process at an MVC office. It is the bridge between passing your test and receiving your permanent license in the mail, which typically takes two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is issued when ready after you pass your road test and complete your process at an MVC office, and it allows you to drive legally while waiting for your permanent license.
- The interim license is a temporary document with a printed expiration date, usually set for when your permanent license is expected to arrive.
- You do not need to do anything special to receive an interim license — the MVC issues it as part of the standard licensing process.
- Your interim license becomes invalid once your permanent license arrives in the mail, even if the printed expiration date has not passed.
What the interim license looks like and what it says
An interim license is printed on a smaller piece of paper than a standard driver's license, usually about the size of a receipt. It includes your name, date of birth, license number, address, and a photo taken at the MVC office. The document clearly states "INTERIM LICENSE" at the top and includes an expiration date printed by the MVC clerk.
The expiration date on an interim license is not arbitrary — it reflects when the MVC expects your permanent license to be mailed to you. In most cases, this is two to three weeks from the date you received the interim license. The MVC sets this date based on processing times, though delays can happen if documents are missing or if there is a backlog at the office.
When you receive an interim license
You receive an interim license the same day you pass your road test, assuming you have completed all other requirements. After you finish the driving portion of the test, you return to the MVC office, and if you passed, the examiner directs you to the licensing window. There, an MVC clerk verifies your documents, takes your photo, and prints your interim license on the spot.
You must bring specific documents to your road test appointment for this to happen. You need a completed process form (the MVC provides this or you can fill one out beforehand), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Jersey residency. If any document is missing or incorrect, the MVC may not issue the interim license that day, and you will have to return after providing the missing item.
How to use your interim license
Your interim license is a valid form of identification for driving in New Jersey. You can use it to drive anywhere in the state and, in most cases, in other states as well, though some states have restrictions on temporary licenses. You should carry it with you whenever you drive, just as you would a permanent license. If a police officer stops you, the interim license satisfies the requirement to show proof of a valid license.
The interim license is also useful as a form of identification for other purposes — banks, employers, and government offices often accept it as proof of identity. However, some institutions may not recognize it because it is temporary. If you need identification for something important, it is worth asking in advance whether an interim license will be accepted.
What happens when your permanent license arrives
Your permanent driver's license will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on your process, usually within two to three weeks of receiving your interim license. When it arrives, your interim license is no longer valid, even if the printed expiration date has not passed. You should destroy the interim license or keep it as a record — do not attempt to use it after your permanent license has arrived.
If your permanent license does not arrive within the timeframe printed on your interim license, contact the MVC to check the status. You can call the MVC customer service line or visit an office in person. If there is a problem with your process, the MVC will tell you what additional documents or steps are needed. Until your permanent license arrives, your interim license remains valid for driving.
What to do if you lose your interim license
If you lose your interim license before your permanent license arrives, you should report it to the MVC as soon as possible. You can visit an MVC office and request a replacement interim license. Bring your identification and proof of residency, and the MVC will issue a new one on the spot. There may be a small fee for a replacement, though some offices waive it if the loss was recent.
If you cannot visit an MVC office right away, you can still drive legally if you have your permanent license when it arrives. Your permanent license will replace the interim one, and you will not need the interim anymore. However, if you are stopped by police before your permanent license arrives and you cannot produce the interim, you may face a citation for not having proof of a valid license, even though you do have one.
Interim licenses and out-of-state moves
If you move out of New Jersey before your permanent license arrives, your interim license is still valid for driving in New Jersey and most other states. However, once you establish residency in another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state rather than waiting for your New Jersey permanent license. Each state has its own licensing requirements, and driving with an out-of-state license after you have moved can create legal complications.
If you have already received your New Jersey permanent license and then move, you will need to update your address with the MVC or obtain a license from your new state. The interim license is only relevant during the brief window between passing your road test and receiving your permanent license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with my interim license?
Yes, most states recognize New Jersey interim licenses as valid temporary driving permits. However, some states have restrictions on temporary licenses, so if you are traveling far or planning an extended stay, it is worth checking the rules of the state you are visiting. Your interim license is valid for driving in New Jersey regardless.
What if the expiration date on my interim license passes and I still have not received my permanent license?
Contact the MVC when ready to find out where your permanent license is. You can call customer service or visit an office. If there is a delay, the MVC can issue a new interim license with an updated expiration date. Do not drive without a valid license, even if you are waiting for the permanent one.
Do I need to do anything to set up my interim license?
No. The interim license is valid as soon as the MVC clerk hands it to you. You do not need to register it, mail anything in, or take any additional steps. You can drive when ready.
Can I use my interim license as a form of ID for things other than driving?
Yes, many institutions accept interim licenses as proof of identity. Banks, employers, and government offices often recognize them. However, some places may not because it is temporary. If you need it for something important, ask beforehand whether they will accept an interim license.