New Jersey issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants through a program called the Provisional License

New Jersey does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license. Instead, the state offers a Provisional License — a full, valid driver's license that works for driving but cannot be used as federal identification for boarding planes or entering federal buildings. You can hold a Provisional License regardless of your immigration status, and it renews every four years like a standard license.

The Provisional License has been available since 2020. It is issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and is recognized by police, insurance companies, and employers as proof that you passed the written and road tests and are legally permitted to drive in the state.

The main difference between a Provisional License and a standard New Jersey driver's license is what you can use it for. A Provisional License lets you drive, rent a car, and prove your identity to most private businesses. It does not let you board a domestic flight, enter a federal courthouse, or use it at TSA checkpoints. If you later gain lawful status and can show proof of citizenship or legal residency, you can upgrade to a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey issues Provisional Licenses to anyone who can pass the written and road tests, regardless of immigration status.
  • You need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number, a signed lease or utility bill showing your name and address, and proof of identity such as a passport or consular ID.
  • The Provisional License is valid for driving and most everyday identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding planes or entering federal buildings.
  • The process takes about four to six weeks from the time you pass your road test, and you pay the same fees as any other driver's license holder.
  • You must pass the same written test and road test as any other driver; there are no separate tests for Provisional License holders.

Documents you need to bring to the MVC

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission requires specific documents before you can take the written and road tests. You will need proof of identity, proof of your address, and a tax identification number.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a consular ID from your country of origin, or a national ID card. The document must show your photograph, your full name, and your date of birth. A driver's license from another country is also accepted.

For proof of address, bring a signed lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a mortgage document that shows your name and your current New Jersey address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A letter from a shelter or social service agency stating your address is also accepted if you are unhoused.

For tax identification, bring either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number. If you do not have an ITIN, you can obtain one from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing Form W-7. The IRS accepts applications by mail or in person at an IRS office. Getting an ITIN typically takes four to six weeks if you mail the process, or a few days if you explore in person at an IRS office with an appointment.

The written test and road test

Once you have submitted your documents to the MVC, you will schedule a written test appointment. The written test covers New Jersey traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. The road test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is conducted by an MVC examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass the road test to receive your Provisional License.

Both tests are the same whether you are explore for a Provisional License or a standard license. There are no separate or easier versions for undocumented immigrants.

Timeline and fees

The entire process from your first visit to the MVC to receiving your Provisional License in the mail typically takes four to six weeks. This timeline assumes you have all required documents ready and you pass both the written and road tests on your first attempt.

The fee for a Provisional License is the same as for a standard New Jersey driver's license: $24 for a four-year license if you are between 18 and 69 years old. You pay this fee when you pass your road test. There are no additional fees for the Provisional License designation.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it. If you do not pass the road test, you must wait at least two weeks before scheduling another attempt. Each retake has the same fee as the initial test.

Where to go and how to schedule

You must visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to explore for a Provisional License. The MVC has about 40 locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official MVC website at nj.gov/mvc.

You can schedule your written test appointment online through the MVC website or by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. You will need to choose a test date and time that works for you. Walk-ins are not accepted for the written test; you must have a scheduled appointment.

After you pass the written test, the MVC will schedule your road test appointment for you. You will receive a notice in the mail with your road test date and time. Road test appointments are typically scheduled two to four weeks after you pass the written test.

What happens after you pass the road test

Once you pass the road test, the MVC will issue your Provisional License. You will receive it in the mail within two to three weeks. Your Provisional License will be valid for four years from the date it is issued.

Your Provisional License looks like a standard New Jersey driver's license and includes your photograph, your full name, your date of birth, your address, and your license number. It will have a marking that indicates it is a Provisional License, though this marking is small and not always obvious to someone unfamiliar with New Jersey licenses.

You can use your Provisional License to drive when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive. The MVC will issue you a temporary paper license at the road test location that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being printed and mailed.

Upgrading to a standard license later

If you later gain lawful immigration status and can show proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency, you can upgrade your Provisional License to a standard New Jersey driver's license. You do not need to retake the written or road tests. Instead, you visit an MVC office with your proof of status — such as a green card, employment authorization document, or passport showing lawful entry — and pay a fee to upgrade.

The upgrade fee is typically $24, the same as the cost of a new license. The process takes about two to three weeks, and you will receive your new standard license in the mail. Your upgraded license will have the same expiration date as your Provisional License would have had, so you do not lose any time on your license validity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Provisional License to board a plane or cross the border?

No. A Provisional License cannot be used for federal identification purposes, including boarding domestic flights or crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. For air travel, you would need a passport or another federally accepted ID. For border crossing, you would need a passport or a passport card.

What if I don't have an ITIN yet?

You will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can explore for a Provisional License. You can explore for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS by mail (takes four to six weeks) or in person at an IRS office with an appointment (takes a few days). Once you have your ITIN, you can proceed with your MVC process.

Do I need to have a Social Security Number to get a Provisional License?

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The MVC accepts either an ITIN or a Social Security Number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or conduct other financial business in the United States.

What if I fail the written or road test?

You can retake either test. If you fail the written test, you can schedule another appointment as soon as you are ready. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least two weeks before scheduling your next attempt. Each retake costs the same fee as the initial test.

Can I use my Provisional License to rent a car or get car insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies and car rental agencies recognize the Provisional License as a valid driver's license. You can use it to rent a vehicle and to purchase auto insurance. Some insurance companies may charge slightly different rates, but this varies by company and is not required by law.