Automobile Driver Licenses, Registration, and Insurance

The following information has been obtained from the New Jersey Motor Vehicles website located at http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

Moving from Another State

If you have moved to New Jersey from another state where you were a licensed driver, you need to purchase an examination permit within 60 days of becoming a New Jersey resident (or before the expiration of your out-of-state license, whichever comes first).

Procedure to transfer your Basic Automobile License

• You must purchase a permit for each class of vehicle you will be operating. U.S. citizens, Green Card holders or a passport with an I-551 stamp may go to a MVC Agency to acquire an examination permit. Customers presenting any other foreign or INS identification documents must go to Regional Service Center.
• You will need to bring your out-of-state license, acceptable proof of age and identity,* and proof of Social Security (or exemption).
• After purchasing the permit, visit any Driver Testing Center (DTC) to take a vision test, knowledge test,and possibly a road test**.
• After passing the required tests, the DTC will advise you on how to obtain a permanent license. (If under 18 you will be issued a provisional drivers license for 1 year)
• Out of State license must be surrendered at the agency upon receipt of a valid New Jersey license.

Noncitizens must show formal proof that the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has authorized their presence in this country under federal law and allows licensing or the issuance of a non-driver identification card.

If the out-of-state license is valid, the road test may be waived.

Moving from Another Country

Qualifications/Restrictions

• Nonresidents under 18 years are subject to the GDL requirements.
• The following people with temporary visa status may apply for NJ driver licenses: treaty traders; students and their families; temporary workers, accompanying spouses and minor children; foreign information representatives and their families; exchange visitors and their families; fiancés and their children; intra-company transfers, accompanying spouses and minor children; students in nonacademic and vocational schools and family members; persons with temporary protection from deportation; Canadians temporarily U.S. residents; religious ministers and spouses; parents of U.S. citizens; international athletes or entertainment groups; and persons in a reciprocal exchange program.
• Students and their families on a (F) visa must show INS Form I-20, student identification cards or certification on school letterhead indicating status and their passport with I-94.
• Foreign drivers may use their native driver licenses as proof of driving experience if their countries are members of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, and if the applicants have their licenses translated into English by a consulate or an MVC approved translator or an International Driver License issued by there country.

Procedure to obtain a Basic Automobile License

• U.S citizens, Green Card holders or a passport with an I-551 stamp may go to a MVC Agency to acquire an examination permit. Customers presenting any other foreign or INS identification documents must go to Regional Service Center
• Show the required proofs of age and identity.
• Take the knowledge test, vision test, and road test, if required.
• You must surrender your out of state driver license before MVC issues you a New Jersey driver license.
• If you cannot show proof of driving experience you will be subject to the GDL laws and requirements.

*Noncitizens must show formal proof that the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has authorized their presence in this country under federal law and allows licensing or the issuance of a non-driver identification card.

Expiration Date.

DMV will issue licenses to people with non-permanent INS status  marked with the expiration date of that status, and that date will be stored as the expiration date of that license.

Location for Applications

Anyone other than naturalized citizens using an INS document as proof of identity and legal status in this country will be required to apply for their license at one of the four MVS Regional Service Centers. The centers are Wayne, Eatontown, Trenton and West Deptford.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

In addition to having a valid foreign driver license, visitors are advised to carry an International Driving Permit or attach an English translation to their national driving license. Visitors from foreign countries must obtain an International Driving permit in their native country, prior to arrival in the U.S.

• The International Driving Permit is translated into the nine official languages of the United Nations, including English, and serves as a translation to be used in conjunction with the visitor's valid driver license
• It can be useful in emergencies such as traffic violations or auto accidents, particularly when a foreign language is involved.

New Jersey residents who want to obtain an International Driving Permit before traveling abroad should contact a local American Automobile Association (AAA) office.

Non-Driver Photo ID

Any New Jersey resident 17 years of age and older who cannot drive or does not choose to drive may apply for a non-driver photo identification card. The non-driver ID is issued solely for the purpose of providing identification and is not a license to drive.

• Visit your local MVC Agency.
• Complete the front side of a non-driver ID application (BA-207 form)
• Provide proof of age and identity.
• Pay fee of $24. (fee effective June 1, 2003)

[Other fees: $24 for renewal, $11 for a duplicate or changes (fees effective June 1, 2003)]

Registration

If you live in New Jersey and buy a new or used car, it must be titled and registered before it is driven on public roads.  Unless you maintain and out-of-state residence and intend to return, you must title and register your motor vehicle within 60 days (or sooner if your out-of-state registration expires before then).

To register your vehicle, complete an application at the Bakers Basin Motor Vehicles Agency. Show proof of vehicle ownership.  For a new vehicle, a manufacturer's certificate of origin and a dealer's certificate of sale are proof. For a previously-owned vehicle, a title signed by the previous owner is proof. For a leased vehicle, the leasing company is listed on the title as owner. Show proof that the required sales tax has been paid or pay it at the agency. Show proof of current vehicle insurance.

Insurance

The State of New Jersey requires that all vehicles registered in New Jersey be covered by liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.  Collision, comprehensive, and other coverage is optional.

When applying for auto insurance, you may be asked for proof of residency in New Jersey. To request proof of residency from the Institute, please contact Jennifer Hansen ext. 8206, a few days before you go so that a letter can be prepared for you.

New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles

Assistance from the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles can be obtained by calling General Customer Information toll-free at 1-888-486-3339. Customer service representatives are available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  Detailed recorded information is available after those hours, seven days a week, including holidays.