What New Jersey requires from immigrants explore for a driver's license

New Jersey issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The state treats immigrant applicants the same as any other applicant once you have these documents in hand. You will take the written test and road test like everyone else, and you will pay the same fees. The main difference is that your documents may come from outside the United States, and New Jersey has specific rules about which foreign documents it accepts.

If you are undocumented, you can still get a license. New Jersey does not require proof of legal immigration status. You will need an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, which you can obtain from the Internal Revenue Service even without work authorization.

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey accepts driver's licenses from other countries as proof of identity, along with a passport or national ID card.
  • You need proof of New Jersey residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name dated within the last 12 months.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) works in place of a Social Security number if you do not have one.
  • You must pass the written knowledge test and the road test, both of which are offered in multiple languages at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone are not accepted.

Documents you need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Commission

Start by gathering your identity documents. New Jersey accepts a valid passport, a national ID card from your home country, or a valid driver's license from another country or state. The document must not be expired. If your passport or ID is in a language other than English, bring the original document itself—the Motor Vehicle Commission has staff who can verify foreign documents on-site.

Next, you need proof that you live in New Jersey. This must be a document dated within the last 12 months and showing your name and address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a mortgage statement all work. A letter from your employer or school with your address is also acceptable. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents together—for example, a piece of mail from a government agency plus a letter from your landlord.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not, bring your ITIN. You can obtain an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the Internal Revenue Service; you do not need work authorization or legal immigration status to get one. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original—do not translate it yourself or have someone else translate it. The Motor Vehicle Commission will handle verification.

The written test and road test in your language

New Jersey offers the written knowledge test in 14 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, and French. You choose your language when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass.

You can study using the New Jersey Driver's Manual, which is available in multiple languages on the Motor Vehicle Commission website. Many immigrants also use free online practice tests to prepare. You are allowed to take the written test as many times as you need; there is no limit on retakes.

The road test is conducted in English by an examiner, but you may bring an interpreter if you need one. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. Your examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks—parking, turning, stopping—and will observe how you follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Fees and the license itself

A New Jersey driver's license costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for a ten-year license. You choose the length when you explore. The written test is free. The road test costs $10. If you fail the road test, you pay $10 each time you retake it.

Your license will look the same as any other New Jersey driver's license. It will have your name, address, date of birth, and a photo. It is valid for driving throughout the United States and is recognized by airlines for domestic travel. It does not indicate your immigration status.

If your license expires while you are outside the United States, you can renew it by mail or online without taking the tests again. You do not need to be present in New Jersey to renew.

How to schedule your appointment

Visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and click "Schedule an Appointment." You will choose whether you want to take the written test, the road test, or both. You will select your preferred language for the written test. Then you will choose a date and time at a Motor Vehicle Commission office near you.

Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas like Newark and Jersey City. If no appointments are available for several weeks, check back daily—cancellations open up regularly. You can also call the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500 to ask about walk-in hours at your nearest office, though wait times are usually longer.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your appointment confirmation email or letter with you.

If your foreign license is suspended or expired

If your driver's license from another country is suspended, revoked, or expired, you can still get a New Jersey license. New Jersey does not automatically reject you based on the status of a foreign license. However, if your license was suspended or revoked for a serious violation—such as driving under the influence—you may face additional requirements or delays. Bring the foreign license anyway and explain the situation to the Motor Vehicle Commission staff.

If your foreign license has expired but you still have it, bring it as proof of identity. An expired license is still accepted as long as it is not damaged and your photo is still recognizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a New Jersey driver's license?

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You can obtain an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service by filing Form W-7, even if you do not have work authorization or legal immigration status. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

Can I take the written test in my native language?

Yes. New Jersey offers the written test in 14 languages. You choose your language when you schedule your appointment. The road test is conducted in English, but you may bring an interpreter if you need one.

What if my passport or ID is expired?

An expired passport or ID is not accepted as proof of identity for a driver's license. You will need a valid document. If your passport has expired, you can renew it through your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your temporary license is issued on the spot after you pass the road test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive with the temporary license when ready.

Is my New Jersey driver's license valid for air travel?

Yes, a New Jersey driver's license is accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States. It is not valid for international air travel; you will need a passport for that.