New Jersey Driver Licenses

Laws Governing Driver Licenses

• A motorist in New Jersey must carry a valid driver license, probationary license, or validated New Jersey permit, along with valid insurance and vehicle registration cards.
• Motorists with a validated New Jersey driver permit must be accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.
• Motorists must report a change of address to the MVC within one week after moving, including individuals moving out of New Jersey.
• Motorists who legally change their name (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or court order) must report the change to the MVC within two weeks.
• Motorists with a valid out-of-state license who move to New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days (or 30 days for a commercial driver license) or before the current license expires, whichever is sooner.

Digital Driver License

• New Jersey introduced a new digital driver license design and security features in 2021.
• Digital driver licenses are issued centrally from a secure production facility and are valid for four years.
• Motorists under 21 years old receive a distinctive vertical-format driver license.

Types of New Jersey Licenses

• Basic Automobile License: for all types of Class D motor vehicles, minimum age 18, expiration 4 years, license fee 24(Standard)or24 (Standard) or 24(Standard)or35 (REAL ID).
• Probationary Automobile License: for all types of Class D motor vehicles, minimum age 17, expiration 4 years, license fee $63.
• Commercial Driver License: for large trucks, buses, and vehicles, minimum age 18, expiration 4 years, license fee 42(Standard)or42 (Standard) or 42(Standard)or53 (REAL ID).
• Motorcycle License: for most vehicles with fewer than four wheels, minimum age 17, expiration 4 years, license fee 24(Standard)or24 (Standard) or 24(Standard)or35 (REAL ID).
• Moped License: for unlicensed motorists 15 years of age and older, expiration 4 years, license fee 6(Standard)or6 (Standard) or 6(Standard)or17 (REAL ID).
• Agricultural License: for farming purposes only, minimum age 16, expiration 4 years, license fee 6(Standard)or6 (Standard) or 6(Standard)or17 (REAL ID).
• Boat License: for individuals 16 years of age and older, expiration 4 years, license fee $24.

Identity Verification

• All applicants must provide 6 points of ID verification, including:
  • At least one primary document
  • At least one secondary document
  • At least six points of ID
  • Proof of New Jersey residential address

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

• The GDL Program introduces driving privileges in phases with a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license.
• Drivers under 21 years of age must display two visible reflective GDL decals on their vehicle.

Special Learner Permits

• For New Jersey residents, applicants must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.

Examination Permits

• For New Jersey residents, applicants must be at least 16 years old.
• For out-of-state drivers, applicants must surrender their out-of-state license upon receipt of a New Jersey license.
• For out-of-country drivers, applicants may drive with their valid license for up to a year.### New Jersey Driver License System
• The system has three options: Early Bird Road, Young Adult Road, and Adult Road.
• Option A: Early Bird Road (for 16-17-year-olds)
  • Step 1: Get a Special Learner Permit
    • Must be at least 16 years old
    • Must have signed parent or guardian consent
    • Must be enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver training course
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
  • Step 2: Practice with an Adult Supervising Driver
    • Must observe special learner permit driving restrictions
    • Must practice at least six months
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed six months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
    • Must observe probationary driver license restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee
• Option B: Young Adult Road (for 17-21-year-olds)
  • Step 1: Get an Examination Permit
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
    • Must be at least 17 years old
    • Must pay the required fee
    • Must obtain parent or guardian consent if under 18
  • Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving
    • Must practice with an adult supervising driver
    • Must practice at least six months
    • Must observe examination permit driving restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed six months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
    • Must observe probationary driver license restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee
• Option C: Adult Road (for 21-year-olds and older)
  • Step 1: Get an Examination Permit
    • Must be at least 21 years old
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
    • Must pay the required fee
    • Must obtain parent or guardian consent if under 18
  • Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving
    • Must practice with an adult supervising driver
    • Must practice at least three months
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed three months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee

GDL Restrictions and Exemptions

• Special Learner Permit Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver
  • Passengers are limited to any parent, guardian, or dependent of the special permit holder and one additional passenger
  • Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Examination Permit Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver
  • Passengers are limited to dependents of the permit holder and one additional passenger, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Probationary Driver License Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Passengers are limited to dependents of the probationary license holder and one additional person, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • Probationary license holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Exemptions:
  • Proof of a need to drive during the prohibited hours for employment and/or religion
  • Must carry a legible certification from the employer or religious official

ID Verification

• 6 Points of ID Verification:
  • One primary document (e.g. US birth certificate, US passport, etc.)
  • One secondary document (e.g. Social Security card, etc.)
  • One proof of residency document (e.g. utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
  • One proof of Social Security number document (e.g. Social Security card, etc.)
  • One proof of identity document (e.g. valid driver license, etc.)
  • One document with a photo (e.g. valid driver license, etc.)

Organ Donation and Next-of-Kin Registry

• Organ Donation:
  • Any individual 14 years or older can register as an organ donor
  • By registering, an individual is agreeing to donate their organs, tissue, and eyes upon their death
  • Registration is confidential and does not affect funeral arrangements
  • Anyone can register online or at an MVC Licensing Center
• Next-of-Kin Registry:
  • Any individual 14 years or older can register as a next-of-kin
  • Registration allows individuals to designate emergency contacts
  • The registry is confidential and only accessible to law enforcement officers
  • Anyone can register online or at an MVC Licensing Center### Motor Voter
• The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires motor vehicle offices to provide voter registration opportunities to anyone applying for a new or renewed driver license or ID card, or changing their address.
• The registration process can be started at any MVC Licensing Center, and applicants are provided a signature pad to sign, while their personal information is sent electronically to the State Board of Elections for review.

Hearing-Impaired Designation

• A special driver license is provided for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB loss or more) by the MVC.
• To obtain this license, a motorist must complete an application, which is available at any MVC Licensing Center, and verification by a physician or audiologist is required.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

• There are three CDL classifications: A, B, and C.
• A CDL is necessary for the operation of certain vehicles, including tractor trailers, trucks, and buses, and requires a valid basic Class D New Jersey driver license or a valid out-of-state CDL.
• Class A CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, and allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the Class B, C, and D categories.
• Class B CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the Class C and D categories.
• Class C CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, used and placarded to transport hazardous materials, and buses designed to transport 16 passengers or more.

Commercial Driver Exemptions

• Certain drivers are exempt from obtaining a CDL, including:
  • Taxi drivers
  • Ride-sharing van drivers
  • Funeral procession drivers
  • Operators of rescue, first-aid squad or firefighter apparatus
  • Farmers hauling their own products and equipment within 150 miles of their farms
  • Non-civilian operators of military equipment
  • Operators of construction equipment not designed for operation on public roads
  • Operators of recreational vehicles for personal use only

Commercial Driver License Endorsements

• Most commercial drivers will need to obtain at least one special endorsement on their CDL.
• Examples of endorsements include:
  • "H" for hazardous materials
  • "T" for double and triple trailers
  • "P" for passenger vehicles
  • "S" for school buses
  • "N" for tanker vehicles
• Each endorsement has specific requirements, such as knowledge tests, road tests, and age restrictions.

Commercial Driver License Restrictions

• Numbered restrictions, such as corrective lenses, are noted on all commercial licenses.
• Special restrictions, such as "L" for air brakes, may also be designated on the license.

Commercial Driver Manual

• The MVC's Commercial Driver Manual provides information on commercial motor vehicle licensing.
• The manual is available at any MVC Licensing Center or Regional Service Center, or can be viewed or requested online.
• All CDL tests are based on information contained in the manual.

Laws Governing Driver Licenses

• A motorist in New Jersey must carry a valid driver license, probationary license, or validated New Jersey permit, along with valid insurance and vehicle registration cards.
• Motorists with a validated New Jersey driver permit must be accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.
• Motorists must report a change of address to the MVC within one week after moving, including individuals moving out of New Jersey.
• Motorists who legally change their name (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or court order) must report the change to the MVC within two weeks.
• Motorists with a valid out-of-state license who move to New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days (or 30 days for a commercial driver license) or before the current license expires, whichever is sooner.

Digital Driver License

• New Jersey introduced a new digital driver license design and security features in 2021.
• Digital driver licenses are issued centrally from a secure production facility and are valid for four years.
• Motorists under 21 years old receive a distinctive vertical-format driver license.

Types of New Jersey Licenses

• Basic Automobile License: for all types of Class D motor vehicles, minimum age 18, expiration 4 years, license fee 24(Standard)or24 (Standard) or 24(Standard)or35 (REAL ID).
• Probationary Automobile License: for all types of Class D motor vehicles, minimum age 17, expiration 4 years, license fee $63.
• Commercial Driver License: for large trucks, buses, and vehicles, minimum age 18, expiration 4 years, license fee 42(Standard)or42 (Standard) or 42(Standard)or53 (REAL ID).
• Motorcycle License: for most vehicles with fewer than four wheels, minimum age 17, expiration 4 years, license fee 24(Standard)or24 (Standard) or 24(Standard)or35 (REAL ID).
• Moped License: for unlicensed motorists 15 years of age and older, expiration 4 years, license fee 6(Standard)or6 (Standard) or 6(Standard)or17 (REAL ID).
• Agricultural License: for farming purposes only, minimum age 16, expiration 4 years, license fee 6(Standard)or6 (Standard) or 6(Standard)or17 (REAL ID).
• Boat License: for individuals 16 years of age and older, expiration 4 years, license fee $24.

Identity Verification

• All applicants must provide 6 points of ID verification, including:
  • At least one primary document
  • At least one secondary document
  • At least six points of ID
  • Proof of New Jersey residential address

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

• The GDL Program introduces driving privileges in phases with a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license.
• Drivers under 21 years of age must display two visible reflective GDL decals on their vehicle.

Special Learner Permits

• For New Jersey residents, applicants must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.

Examination Permits

• For New Jersey residents, applicants must be at least 16 years old.
• For out-of-state drivers, applicants must surrender their out-of-state license upon receipt of a New Jersey license.
• For out-of-country drivers, applicants may drive with their valid license for up to a year.### New Jersey Driver License System
• The system has three options: Early Bird Road, Young Adult Road, and Adult Road.
• Option A: Early Bird Road (for 16-17-year-olds)
  • Step 1: Get a Special Learner Permit
    • Must be at least 16 years old
    • Must have signed parent or guardian consent
    • Must be enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver training course
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
  • Step 2: Practice with an Adult Supervising Driver
    • Must observe special learner permit driving restrictions
    • Must practice at least six months
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed six months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
    • Must observe probationary driver license restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee
• Option B: Young Adult Road (for 17-21-year-olds)
  • Step 1: Get an Examination Permit
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
    • Must be at least 17 years old
    • Must pay the required fee
    • Must obtain parent or guardian consent if under 18
  • Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving
    • Must practice with an adult supervising driver
    • Must practice at least six months
    • Must observe examination permit driving restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed six months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
    • Must observe probationary driver license restrictions
    • Must have red GDL decals attached to the vehicle
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee
• Option C: Adult Road (for 21-year-olds and older)
  • Step 1: Get an Examination Permit
    • Must be at least 21 years old
    • Must pass the MVC's knowledge and vision tests
    • Must pay the required fee
    • Must obtain parent or guardian consent if under 18
  • Step 2: Practice Supervised Driving
    • Must practice with an adult supervising driver
    • Must practice at least three months
  • Step 3: Get a Probationary License
    • Must have completed three months of supervised driving without any suspensions or postponements
    • Must pass the MVC's road test
  • Step 4: Practice Unsupervised Driving
    • Must practice unsupervised driving for at least one year
  • Step 5: Get the Basic Driver License
    • Must have completed one year of unsupervised driving
    • Must pay the required fee

GDL Restrictions and Exemptions

• Special Learner Permit Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver
  • Passengers are limited to any parent, guardian, or dependent of the special permit holder and one additional passenger
  • Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Examination Permit Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver
  • Passengers are limited to dependents of the permit holder and one additional passenger, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Probationary Driver License Restrictions:
  • No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
  • No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices
  • Passengers are limited to dependents of the probationary license holder and one additional person, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • Probationary license holder and all passengers must wear seat belts
  • Must display decals on license plates
• Exemptions:
  • Proof of a need to drive during the prohibited hours for employment and/or religion
  • Must carry a legible certification from the employer or religious official

ID Verification

• 6 Points of ID Verification:
  • One primary document (e.g. US birth certificate, US passport, etc.)
  • One secondary document (e.g. Social Security card, etc.)
  • One proof of residency document (e.g. utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
  • One proof of Social Security number document (e.g. Social Security card, etc.)
  • One proof of identity document (e.g. valid driver license, etc.)
  • One document with a photo (e.g. valid driver license, etc.)

Organ Donation and Next-of-Kin Registry

• Organ Donation:
  • Any individual 14 years or older can register as an organ donor
  • By registering, an individual is agreeing to donate their organs, tissue, and eyes upon their death
  • Registration is confidential and does not affect funeral arrangements
  • Anyone can register online or at an MVC Licensing Center
• Next-of-Kin Registry:
  • Any individual 14 years or older can register as a next-of-kin
  • Registration allows individuals to designate emergency contacts
  • The registry is confidential and only accessible to law enforcement officers
  • Anyone can register online or at an MVC Licensing Center### Motor Voter
• The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires motor vehicle offices to provide voter registration opportunities to anyone applying for a new or renewed driver license or ID card, or changing their address.
• The registration process can be started at any MVC Licensing Center, and applicants are provided a signature pad to sign, while their personal information is sent electronically to the State Board of Elections for review.

Hearing-Impaired Designation

• A special driver license is provided for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB loss or more) by the MVC.
• To obtain this license, a motorist must complete an application, which is available at any MVC Licensing Center, and verification by a physician or audiologist is required.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

• There are three CDL classifications: A, B, and C.
• A CDL is necessary for the operation of certain vehicles, including tractor trailers, trucks, and buses, and requires a valid basic Class D New Jersey driver license or a valid out-of-state CDL.
• Class A CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, and allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the Class B, C, and D categories.
• Class B CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the Class C and D categories.
• Class C CDL is required for the operation of vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, used and placarded to transport hazardous materials, and buses designed to transport 16 passengers or more.

Commercial Driver Exemptions

• Certain drivers are exempt from obtaining a CDL, including:
  • Taxi drivers
  • Ride-sharing van drivers
  • Funeral procession drivers
  • Operators of rescue, first-aid squad or firefighter apparatus
  • Farmers hauling their own products and equipment within 150 miles of their farms
  • Non-civilian operators of military equipment
  • Operators of construction equipment not designed for operation on public roads
  • Operators of recreational vehicles for personal use only

Commercial Driver License Endorsements

• Most commercial drivers will need to obtain at least one special endorsement on their CDL.
• Examples of endorsements include:
  • "H" for hazardous materials
  • "T" for double and triple trailers
  • "P" for passenger vehicles
  • "S" for school buses
  • "N" for tanker vehicles
• Each endorsement has specific requirements, such as knowledge tests, road tests, and age restrictions.

Commercial Driver License Restrictions

• Numbered restrictions, such as corrective lenses, are noted on all commercial licenses.
• Special restrictions, such as "L" for air brakes, may also be designated on the license.

Commercial Driver Manual

• The MVC's Commercial Driver Manual provides information on commercial motor vehicle licensing.
• The manual is available at any MVC Licensing Center or Regional Service Center, or can be viewed or requested online.
• All CDL tests are based on information contained in the manual.