New Jersey Driver License Requirements

New Jersey Driver License Requirements

• Motorists in NJ must carry a valid driver license, probationary license, or a validated NJ permit, along with valid insurance and vehicle registration.
• Individuals with a validated NJ driver permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
• Legal residents of NJ must obtain their driver's license in the state.

Address and Name Change Notifications

• Changing address requires reporting to the MVC within 1 week, applicable even if moving out of NJ.
• A legal name change (due to marriage, divorce, or court order) must be reported to the MVC within 2 weeks.

License Application for Out-of-State Movers

• Out-of-state license holders relocating to NJ must apply for a NJ license within 60 days; for commercial drivers, it's within 30 days.
• An out-of-state license must be surrendered to obtain a New Jersey license.

Foreign Nationals and License Validity

• Foreign nationals with valid foreign licenses can drive in NJ for up to a year.

Commercial Vehicle Operators

• Operators of commercial vehicles must meet stricter testing standards and hold a valid NJ driver license prior to applying for a commercial driver license (CDL).

Graduated Driver License Program

• First-time drivers must complete the MVC's Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which includes supervised driving before obtaining a basic driver license.

Consent and Documentation for Minors

• Applicants under 18 years must present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian.
• All applicants must provide: full name, current address, Social Security number, 6 Points of ID Verification, and documentation verifying lawful presence in the U.S.

GDL Decals

• Drivers under 21 with examination permits or probationary licenses must display two reflective GDL decals on their vehicle plates.

Digital Driver License (DDL)

• NJ introduced the Digital Driver License in 2011, featuring enhanced security and facial recognition to prevent identity theft.

Features of the DDL

• DDL contains over 20 covert and overt security features and is issued to all MVC customers.

Driver License Validity

• Motorists under 21 receive a vertical-format driver license valid for 4 years.

Legal Consequences for License Alteration

• Altering a driver license can result in loss of driving privileges, fines up to $1,000, and/or imprisonment.

Illegal Driver License Acquisition

• Obtaining a driver license illegally may incur a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment.

Types of New Jersey Licenses

• Eight types of NJ licenses include Basic Automobile License, Probationary Automobile License, Commercial Driver License, Motorcycle License, Probationary Motorcycle License, Moped License, Agricultural License, and Boat License.

Licensing Tests

• Knowledge, Vision, and Road tests are required for licensing; Class E endorsements cost $24, and Class M endorsements cost $18.

Basic Automobile License Details

• Valid for all Class D motor vehicles, except motorcycles, it expires after 4 years, requires minimal age of 18 (permit starting at 16), with a $10 permit fee and $24 for the photo license.

Probationary Automobile License Details

• Designed for Class D motor vehicles, the probationary license also expires after 4 years, with similar eligibility and fee requirements.