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New Jersey Drivers License Guide


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Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance.When out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.


Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

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Theft And Hit & Run Protection

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*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

Congratulations!Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you will need to start your 60 days Road Assistance.


ContentsTablet of

Numbers

13

21

31

27

6

20

16

24

29

Getting Your First New Jersey License

Replacing Your License

MVC Hours and Locations

Getting a New Jersey ID Card

Starting the Journey

Updating Your License Information

Renewing Your License

Reinstating Your License

Vehicle Safety Tips


Welcome to the world of driving in New Jersey! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life.

Starting the Journey

Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver’s license in New Jersey is a smooth process that only requires you to prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in. We are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly.

This process will only take a small amount of your time. In fact, this guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly and organized as possible. Jam-packed with information, including how to obtain your learner’s permit, driver license or ID card and all the ways to renew, replace or change these items. We make getting ready to drive on the friendly New Jersey roads fast and easy.


All DriversYou must remember that the roads aren’t always safe. Therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may come your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety your passengers and everyone in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, you must first obtain a permit before you can obtain an official driver’s license to be able to learn to drive properly.

Vision Exam

While driving, you are required to use all your senses to avoid getting in an accident. One of the most important of your senses is your eyesight, which is why all New Jersey drivers are required to comply with the state’s vision standards. When you go get your learner’s permit or a driver’s license, you must pass a vision screening exam. The MVC may require a vision recheck periodically, but there is no standard time frame for vision rechecks.

In order to comply with this requirement, you have to visit an office of the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) with the document requirements of your license class. To pass the test, you must have 20/50 visual acuity. If a driver only has sight in one eye, then he or she must still meet the 20/50 requirement and provide documentation signed by a licensed physician. You can wear corrective lenses during the test if you need them, but your license will show a restriction meaning you will only be allowed to drive with corrective lenses. If later on you have eye surgery and no longer need to wear lenses, you must get a medical certification from a NJ licensed physician and pass a vision test again.

If you fail your vision test, you cannot be allowed to get a license or permit. You will be given Form ST-14 for your doctor to fill out and submit to the MVC.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is a written exam that evaluates your

knowledge of New Jersey’s traffic and road laws. The test consists of 50 questions about road signs and rules of the road. You have to score at least 80 percent to get a passing grade.

Tests are administered on a walk-in basis at MVC locations. Remember to take with you all the documentation you need to get your permit or license since the test results will be given to you immediately.

If you require taking your knowledge exam in a different language, you may ask the office manager at the MVC. Tests are offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese. You can also ask for oral tests in English and Spanish. Hearing impaired drivers can have an MVC approved Department of State Interpreter translate the test.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/locations/facilitylocations.htm



Drive in reverse

Sit properly

Stop at appropriate signs

Turn around

Approach corners or intersections

Steer properly

Stop smoothly

Park in a parallel space

Yield to right-of-way

Road Test

When you go get your license for the first time in New Jersey, you have to pass a driving test at the MVC office. Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the MVC to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level of control over your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured and passes safety requirements. You are required to schedule an appointment in advance in order to take your road test. You can do this by following this link and entering your license and permit information.

On the day of the test, you will be accompanied by a safety specialist who will tell you the maneuvers you have to perform. You will be asked to:

If you pass your test, you will be given an authorization slip that you have to take with your permit to the MVC to get your license. If you fail, you must wait a minimum of two weeks before scheduling a re-test. If you fail your test again on your second try, then you may not be permitted to retest for at least six months.

https://www27.state.nj.us/tc/driverlogin.do?url=njmvcdtclient


ONE primary proof of identification (four points)

• U.S. birth certificate

• Current NJ driver’s license

• U.S. passport

ONE secondary proof of identification and one verifiable proof of Social Security Number (three, two- and one-point forms of ID)

• Marriage certificate (three points)

• College ID (two points)

• Social Security card (one point)

• Bank statement (one point)

Note: You may only combine two one-point documents

• Proof of address (one point)

Utility or credit card bill

The New Jersey Six Point ID Verification System

The state of New Jersey has a six point ID verification system in place as a security measure. This system requires drivers to present various forms of identification that add up to six points’ worth of validity. Depending on the document’s rank of importance, a certain number of points are allocated. When six points can be tallied in total, you are ready to present these documents to the New Jersey MVC to conduct your transactions.

There are many other types of documentation you can provide to which you can find by clicking this link. You are only allowed to bring the original or certified copy of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport or Social Security card with the state or municipal seal. If you cannot provide that, you will have to apply for replacement copies before visiting your MVC local office.

Teen Drivers If you are a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, then chances are you are currently dreaming of obtaining your driver’s license. In each step moving towards obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure you are well-prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road.

Reflectorized Decals

New Jersey requires all drivers younger than 21 to display a reflectorized decal on the license plates of any vehicles they operate, including the vehicle used for the road test. You can get your decals at local motor vehicle agencies for $4 a pair. You will need to attach one decal to the upper left corner of both front and rear license plates.

Restrictions

During the time you hold your learner’s permit or probationary license, you have certain restrictions that will go away when you get your basic driver’s license. In the meantime remember that you:

Cannot drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Are not allowed to use any wireless communication device.

Can only have one additional passenger, unless the other passengers are your parents or children.

Have to always wear your seatbelt.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/6pointid.htm


Must be accompanied in the front seat by a driver 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid NJ driver’s license and has had at least three years of driving experience if you hold your learner’s permit.

If you receive any traffic violations while holding a permit, you will not be able to get your driver’s license until you complete additional steps and training.

16-Year-Old Applicants The MVC has a three-phase process that 16-year-old applicants must follow before getting a full unrestricted license.

Student learner’s permit

Probationary license

Basic driver’s license

Continue reading to find out more about each step. Applicants who are already 17 years old may skip to the next section.

Student Learner’s Permit

In New Jersey, you can apply for a learner’s permit as soon as you turn 16 years old. To be eligible, you must first be enrolled in an approved driver training course. The MVC provides a list of private licensed schools. Each school may have its own fees, so choose the one that best fits your needs. Courses consist of minimum six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

After you get enrolled in driver’s education, you have to go to an MVC agency that offers Driving Testing Services to get

your learner’s permit before you start practicing driving. At the MVC, you must pass the knowledge exam and vision test. You will receive the results immediately for both tests and will be asked to provide the following documentation:

One primary form of identification, such as an unexpired passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate

A consent letter signed by your parents or guardians

Proof of enrollment in a driver education course, which you can request from your provider

After completing your behind-the-wheel training, you can return to the MVC to get your permit validated and get an appointment for a road test. You must practice driving for at least six months with a valid permit before taking your road test.

Fees

Your driving instructor must authorize your permit, which will be valid for two years. The fee for the student learner’s permit is $10.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/driveschool.htm



Have scheduled and passed a road test.

Have completed driver education courses and driven with a permit for at least six months.

You have to go in person to an MVC agency with your learner’s permit and the authorization slip you get once you pass the road test. Also, you have to comply with the six point ID verification System and provide:

Proof of identification

Proof of date of birth

Proof of citizenship

Proof of NJ residency

Your probationary license will be good for one year, and then you must go back to the MVC to get your basic driver’s license. The probationary license fee is $6.

Basic Driver’s License

To obtain your basic driver’s license in New Jersey, you have to:

Be at least 18 years old.

Have held your probationary license for one year from its date of issue.

You will then have to go to an MVC agency with your probationary license and the documents required for the six point ID system.

There is a fee to get your basic driver’s license, which usually comes out to $19.50 since the fee is pro-rated.

The basic driver’s license does not have many of the restrictions applied to the learner’s permit and probationary license, but you should still follow safety driving practices to avoid getting in an accident.

Probationary License

Once you turn 17 years old, you can apply for a probationary license. To be eligible you must:





17 to 21-Year-Old Applicants If you are 17 to 21 years of age, you will have to follow a slightly different process than if you were 16. The process also has three stages:

Examination permit



Examination Permit

In order to get your examination permit, you have to visit an MVC agency in person and must:

Be at least 17 years old.

Pass the knowledge and vision exams.

Provide documents for the six point ID verification.

There is also a $10 fee you must pay to get your examination permit.

Your permit will be valid for two years, and you must use it to practice supervised driving for a minimum of six months before continuing to the next phase.


Getting a probationary license is very simple once you have followed the procedure described above. You just need to go to the MVC with your examination permit after practicing for at least six months, and then take a road test. When you pass your road test, you will get an authorization slip that you must show at the MVC to get your probationary license.


The basic driver license is the last step of the process. You just need to be 18 years old and have practiced driving with a probationary license for at least one year before applying. Then you can go to an MVC agency with:

Your provisional license.

Documents to pass the six points of ID.

Completed Auto License Application (Form BA-208, which can only be obtained through a motor vehicle agency)

Fees

There is a $19.50 pro-rated fee to get your basic driver’s license.


Getting Your First New Jersey License

Congratulations! You are now only one step closer to obtaining your driver license.

We’re sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well, no need to worry because the process is almost over. Now it’s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license.


Adult Drivers: Never had a Driver License If you are 21 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one, the process is fairly simple. Getting a license for first-time drivers can be done through New Jersey by following the steps below. There are three main phases to getting your license:

Examination Permit



Examination permit

To get an examination permit, you have to go to an MVC office in person and:

Pass the knowledge and vision exams.

Provide documents for the six points of ID.

Submit the Auto Permit Application (Form BA-412C, which can only be found at a motor vehicle agency

There is also a $10 fee that you must pay to get your examination permit.

Your permit will be valid for two years, and you must use it to practice supervised driving for a minimum of three months before continuing to the next phase.

During the time you hold your examination permit, you will have certain restrictions that will go away later on when you get your basic driver’s license. In the meantime remember that you:

Must be accompanied in the front seat by a driver 21 years of age or older who holds a valid NJ driver’s license and has had at least three years of driving experience.

Have to always wear your seatbelt.

Are not allowed to use any wireless communication device.


Getting a probationary license is very simple once you have followed the procedure described above. You need to go to the MVC with your examination permit after practicing for at least three months and then take the road test. When you pass your road test, you will get an authorization slip you must show at the MVC to get your probationary license. After you have successfully filled out and submitted an Auto License Application (Form BA-208), your request for a probationary license can be processed. The Auto License Application can only be obtained from a motor vehicle agency.

There is a $6 fee to get your probationary license.


The basic driver’s license is the last step of the process. You just need to have practiced driving with a probationary license for at least one year before applying. Then, you can go to an MVC agency with:

Your probationary license.


Documents to pass the six point ID verification.

A completed Auto License Application (Form BA-208)

Your current valid out-of-state driver’s license.

Documents to pass the six points of ID verification.

You must purchase a driving permit at the MVC, which will cost you $10.

If you come from any of the U.S. territories, you have to submit a certified driver abstract to get the knowledge test requirement waived.

Once you finish the process, you will be issued a four-year basic driver’s license and will have to surrender your out-of-state license.

Tip: At the MVC you can pay all your fees with debit or credit cards, checks, money orders and cash.

Fees

There is a pro-rated fee to obtain your basic driver’s license, which usually comes out to $19.50.

Adult Drivers: New Resident If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of New Jersey, you will need to obtain a New Jersey license within 60 days of your move. It is very important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver’s license within this term so you do not incur a citation while driving.

You must be older than 21 years of age to transfer your out-of-state license. If not, you must follow the procedure described in the Teen Drivers section.

The good news is that if you come from any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Guam, Puerto Rico or The U.S. Virgin Islands, and have a valid license from your other state or territory, you will not have to take the knowledge and road tests. The only things you need to do are visit an MVC agency and apply for a New Jersey driver’s license by showing:


Renewing Your License

No one ever wants to realize their driver’s license has expired while they are out on the road, because it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive.

This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a hefty fine, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date is approaching.

Before you renew your license, it is best you thoroughly comprehend the process so you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. In New Jersey you can renew your license by mail or in person.


You have a Graduated Driver’s License (learner’s permit, examination permit, probationary license).

You have a Commercial Driver’s License.

You have an active suspension.

You have a Temporary Visa Restriction (TVR).

You have a boat license or boat endorsement.

You are required to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

You require a new photo to be taken.

You need to register a new signature.

• Your license expires in less than 20 days.

If you qualify to renew by mail, you will be mailed a package from the MVC with all the materials you need. You must

Fees

Make sure to include a $24 fee in the form of a check or money order.

Renewing by Mail Thanks to the Skip the Trip program, you may be eligible to renew your license by mail. You cannot use the system if you meet any of the following conditions:

mail back all the contents according to the instructions provided.

Your license should arrive ten days after your payment is received. If you have not received your renewed driver’s license within 20 days of mailing the package, call the MVC at (609) 292-6500.


Renewing in PersonTo renew your license in person, visit an MVC office with the following documents to pass the six point ID system:

Proof of identification

Proof of date of birth

Proof of citizenship

Proof of NJ residency

There are many types of documentation you can provide. For all of the valid documents you can provide to the MVC in order to renew your license in person, visit the MVC’s Six Points of ID page.

Fees

There is a renewal fee of $24. MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash.

Renewing From Out-of-State If for any reason you find yourself out of the state or the country at the moment you have to renew your license, you will be allowed to get a temporary license by mail. To be eligible, you will have to meet the following criteria:

You must be a permanent New Jersey resident.

You have to be out of the tri-state area for an extended period of time.

You must have a New Jersey digital driver’s license that is eligible for a one-time four-year renewal.

You must be a U.S. citizen.

You must not have a temporary visa status.

You must not have a Commercial Driver’s License class A, B or C.

If you meet these requirements, you have to send a letter to the MVC explaining why you cannot go to a licensing agency and when you plan to return. You must also obtain a BA208 - NJ MVC Application for Driver’s License which is currently not available online.

Along with the application, mail photocopies or certified copies of your identification documents to comply with the six points of ID. Never send the original files because you will not get them back. When you have everything ready, send it with the appropriate fee in the form of a check or money order in a prepaid tracking envelope to:




NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Government/Out-of-State Unit 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016

The appropriate fees for obtaining a renewed driver’s license are as follows:

Renewal Auto (class D) Digital License: $24

Renewal Auto (class D), Motorcycle Digital License: $42

Renewal Auto (class D), Boat Digital License: $42

Renewal Auto (class D), Boat, Motorcycle (endorsement M) Digital License: $60

Tip: When you renew your license by mail, you don’t have to pass the six point ID verification, unless you are out-of-state.


Updating Your License Information

Now, your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods.

Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver’s license. So, how can you ensure these changes are made to your driver’s license? Well, you only need to inform the New Jersey MVC of these changes. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

Changing Your Name Changing your name is a big personal decision, and it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, you will be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver’s license.

To change your name on your driver’s license, you have to go to an MVC office in person and provide all the legal documents necessary to pass the six point ID verification. Make sure you have changed your name with the Social Security Administration before attempting to change your name on your driver’s license. Otherwise, you will not be able to verify your identity with the MVC.

Since your name changed, you will be required to present proof linking your old name with your new name. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

The documentation you provide must be:

An original document; photocopies are not accepted.

Issued by the municipality in which you were married, not by a religious institution.

Fees

You will be charged an $11 fee to update the information on your driver’s license which you can pay with debit or credit cards, checks, money orders or cash.

Changing Your Address

In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential for you to update the address on your driver license. In fact, it is considered a violation of traffic laws if you do not update your address. All you have to do is follow the steps below that outline the process. In New Jersey, you can change your address online or in person.

In Person

You can go to an MVC office to change the address on your license. You should take with you all the documents necessary to pass the six points of ID, including proper proof of residence showing your new address.


Online

To skip the trip to the MVC, you can apply for a change of address online. Click here to access the official system. You will be asked to enter your zip code, your driver’s license number and your Social Security Number to verify your identity. Then you need to enter your new address.

After you complete the process, you will receive a confirmation notice by regular mail along with a sticker with your new address. You have to attach this sticker to the back of your license on top of your old address.

Allow three to four weeks for your request to be processed.

https://emvc.state.nj.us/MVC_SAC/AVSStart.jsp


Replacing

Your License

The New Jersey MVC can help you in obtaining a new driver’s license as soon as possible in the event that your license was lost, stolen or destroyed. In any case, you will be able to easily replace it with a new duplicate license.

First of all, remember that you cannot request a duplicate just to have a spare copy of your license. It is prohibited to have more than one license or permit at a time. By the same token, if your license was stolen, you must report it to the police first so you can proceed to get a duplicate at an MVC agency.

At the agency, you must fill out form BA-208, which is only available at physical locations. You will also have to provide documents to pass the six point ID verification system.

Fees

To get a duplicate license in person, you will have to pay a fee of $11. MVC accepts American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash.


Replacing Your Out-of-State LicenseIf for any reason you find yourself out of the state or the country at the moment your license gets lost, damaged or stolen, you will be able to get a temporary license by mail. To be eligible, though, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be a permanent New Jersey resident.

You must not have a digital photo in current license.

You must not have a temporary visa status.

You must be out of the tri-state area for an extended period of time.

You must be a U.S. citizen.

Your current license has been expired for less than three years.

If you meet all these requirements, you can send a letter to the MVC explaining why you cannot go to a licensing agency and when you plan to return. You will also have to get a BA208 - NJ MVC “Application for Driver’s License” which is currently not available online. However, since you are applying for a duplicate license while out of state, you can simply contact the MVC to get the application mailed to you. Along with the application, mail photocopies or certified copies of your identification documents to comply with the six point ID verification. Never send the original files because you will not get them back.

When you have everything ready, mail it with the appropriate fee in a prepaid tracking envelope to:

NJ Motor Vehicle CommissionGovernment/Out-of-State Unit 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016


Reinstating

Your Driver’s License

In order to qualify to reinstate your license after it has been suspended or revoked, you must complete all of the required time for your restraining order.

The MVC department will only reinstate your driver’s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any suspensions or revocations.

If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls under please contact the MVC at (609) 292-6500, during its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.


In any case, you are required to pay a $100 fee to restore your New Jersey driver’s license. This fee can be paid in person at an MVC agency or by mail to the following address:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle CommissionP.O. Box 134Trenton, NJ 08650-0140

It is important for New Jersey drivers to know that there is a mandatory probationary period after a driver’s license has been reinstated. If a driver commits any traffic violation within that probationary period, his or her driver’s license will be suspended for an additional number of days. Review the following table to find out how much longer the suspension will be restored based on the time of the violation.

Violation Suspension

For the first violation within one year:

Within six months of restoration

90 days

Within seven to nine months of restoration

60 days

Within ten to twelve months of restoration

45 days

For the second or subsequent violations:

Within six months of restoration

180 days

Within seven to nine months of restoration

120 days

Within ten to twelve months of restoration

90 days

Diving Under the Influence (DUI) Whenever you drink and drive, all your senses become inhibited, so the possibility of a fatal accident increases exponentially. The state of New Jersey has a very strict law that prohibits anyone with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08 percent to drive motor vehicles. DUI convictions usually carry heavy penalties, including jail time and the revocation of your driving privileges. Penalties are set by a judge in a court, and they vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat offense or not. You will also have to pay high fines and surcharges. Read through the following information to find out about fines and penalties for DUI convictions.

In the state of New Jersey, you always give implied consent to take a breathalyzer test. If you refuse to get tested, you will also be penalized for a DUI. You can lose your license from seven months to one year for your first offense. Repeat offenders may lose their license for up to 10 years or 20 years if caught in a school zone.

BAC greater than 0.08 percent but less than 0.10 percent

In this case, you will most likely lose your license for three months and will also have to attend the Intoxicated Driver Program through the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). Fines range from $250 to $400, not including additional costs. Additional costs, including the IDRC fee and drunk driving funds, could add up to another $500. You will also have to pay a surcharge of $1,000 per year over the course of three years. A judge may send you to prison for up to 30 days.

BAC of 0.10 percent or greater

This is a greater offense, so your license gets suspended from seven months to one year. If your BAC was greater than 0.15 percent, you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and keep it from six months to one year following the restoration of your driving privileges. You will also have to attend the IDRC for an intoxicated driver program. Fines range from $805 to $1,005, and you have to pay a surcharge of $1,000 per year during three years. A judge may send you to prison for up to 30 days.


Repeated DUI convictions Drivers who are found driving under the influence for more than one time will face more severe consequences.

2nd offense within 10 years

You can lose your license for two years and have to complete 30 days of community service. You will be required to attend the IDRC and have an interlock device installed in your vehicle for one to three years after your get your license restored. You face fines that go from $1,055 to $1,555 plus a surcharge of $1,000 per year during three years. You will also be sent to jail for a period of 48 hours to 90 days.

3rd offense within 10 years of 2nd offense

Drivers found driving under the influence for a third time within 10 years of a second offense will have their license suspended for 10 years, serve up to 90 days of community service and attend the IDRC. There are high fines adding up to $1,555 and a surcharge of $1,500 per year during three years. The prison term for this offense is 180 days. An ignition interlock device must also be used from one to three years after license restoration.

Tip: In New Jersey, there is a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. You cannot have more than .01 percent BAC to be allowed to legally drive or you will face severe penalties.


Getting a

New Jersey ID Card

If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver’s license, it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead.An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure such as the police or if you simply need to provide proof of your identity at the MVC office. If you are considering obtaining your first New Jersey ID card, then you need to know the proper procedures and steps to take. We will guide you through the process in this section on how to obtain, replace, renew and update your ID card so you will be well-prepared for all situations.

To get your ID card, all you need to do is:

Be 14 years of age or older.

Provide documents to pass the six point ID system.

Complete the front page of the non-driver ID application (form BA-207). You can get the form at any MVC agency.

You will be charged $24 for your non-driver ID, and you will receive it immediately. The fee can be paid by card, check, money order or cash.

Additionally, if you hold a valid driver’s license in any state within the U.S., including New Jersey, you are not eligible to apply for a NJ identification card.


Person With a Disability Identification CardIf you have a disability and wish to get a special ID card for that matter, you have to follow a similar procedure as described above but also must have a physician complete the appropriate portion of the application form. The application form is available at MVC locations across the state.

The fee to get a non-driver person with disability ID card is $6.

When it comes time to replacing and updating your ID card the process is identical to that of a driver’s license except you don’t have to go through standard vision, hearing, knowledge and road tests.

Note: If you would like to take a look at the steps to take in order to replace or update your ID card, please take a look at the Replacing your License section or Updating your License Information sections.

Tip: You can request to have a non-driver ID application (BA-207 form) sent to your mailing address by calling (609) 292-6500.



Vehicle Safety Tips

Before getting behind the wheel, it’s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive.

Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, a First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks and a shovel.

Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Don’t Rush

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion.

Drinking and Driving

Every year thousands of people are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented if you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi or ride-share. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your


own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don’t text, use the internet on your phone or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

Things To AvoidDriving isn’t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and a danger to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Car Accidents

One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and in good condition and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic.

Wasting Gas

If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run.

Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned and that your octane level is the correct amount to

your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should be avoided to prevent accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you commit any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, take a moment, breathe and continue moving instead of reacting aggressively.


There are MVC facilities located across the state. You may use the online locator tool to find an agency in a nearby location. You can also visit the official MVC website where you will be able to get information about the driver’s licensing process, and you can also use the following online services:

MVCHours and Locations

Change Your Address

Pay Your Restoration Fee

Pay Parking/Traffic Tickets

Sample written test

Request Your Driver History Abstract

Schedule A Road Test

If you wish to contact the MVC by e-mail, complete an online contact form here. You can also send your inquiries by regular mail to:

For general inquiries you can call (609) 292-6500, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission

225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016


https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/About/ContactEmail.htm