Applying for a New Driver's License in New Jersey

To legally operate a vehicle in New Jersey, you must obtain a NJ driver's license.

Whether you are a new resident, a first-time driver, or a non-U.S. citizen, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) requires you to complete several steps before you will be issued your driver's license.

New to New Jersey?

An accompanying New Jersey licensed driver who is at least age 21 and has had their New Jersey driver’s license for at least three years. License plate decals. Red, reflective decals must be affixed to plates on a vehicle used for the road test of drivers under age 21. State Driver’s License Formats State License Format Alabama 1-8Numeric Alaska 1-7Numeric Arizona 1 Alpha + 8 Numeric OR 9 Numeric Arkansas 4-9Numeric California 1Alpha+7Numeric. State Driver’s License Formats State License Format Alabama 1-8Numeric Alaska 1-7Numeric Arizona 1 Alpha + 8 Numeric OR 9 Numeric Arkansas 4-9Numeric California 1Alpha+7Numeric. Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 60 days of moving to New Jersey OR before it expires (whichever occurs first).

NOTE: If you are younger than 18 years old, you may not transfer your out-of-state driver's license. The NJ MVC will require you to fulfill each requirement of the GDL program. See our page on Applying for New License (Teen Drivers) in New Jersey for more information.

To apply, you must visit your local New Jersey MVC office and:

• Surrender your out-of-state driver's license, if you have it.
• Pass the 6 Point ID and residency requirement.
• Take a vision screening.
• Pass the written androad tests if your out-of-state license is any of the following:
  • Expired.
  • A provisional license.
  • Not issued in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
• Pay the:
  • $24 new driver's license fee.
  • $10 transfer permit fee.
    • Add $5 for an additional motorcycle endorsement on an auto license.

Your New Jersey driver's license will be valid for 4 years.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Nj Driver's License Lookup

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for a New Jersey driver's license. The New Jersey MVC will also use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify your immigration status. For specific information about driver's license requirements for non-citizens, please visit the NJ MVC website.

Types of New Jersey Driver's Licenses

The New Jersey MVC issues the following types of driver's licenses:

• Basic automobile license (class D) – Issued to non-commercial drivers who are 18 years old or older.
• Motorcycle license (class E) – Can be issued as a separate license or endorsement.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL).
• Permits and restricted licenses for teen drivers (GDL program).

If you're looking for a International drivers license NJ, please refer to this page.

New Driver's License Eligibility Requirements

If you're younger than 21 years old, you must satisfy the requirements of the GDL young adult road process. For more information, see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in New Jersey page.

If you're 21 years old or older, you will need to complete the following steps to obtain your first new driver's license:

• Examination permit.
• Probationary driver's license: Eligible after holding an examination permit for 3 months.
• Driver's license: Eligible after holding a probationary license for 1 year.

Nj Driver's License Renewal

Continue reading below for information on how to apply for each of these licenses.

New Jersey Examination Permit

The first step to getting your new New Jersey driver's license is to obtain your examination permit.

To apply, visit your local New Jersey MVC office and:

• Pass a written permit test and vision screening.
• Complete an Auto Permit Application (Form BA-412D) (this form is ONLY found at the MVC.)
• Submit 6 Point ID requirement, such as your:
  • Certified birth certificate.
  • Passport.
• Adoption or citizenship papers.
• Pay the $10 examination permit fee.
• Have your permit validated for practice driving.
• Schedule your road test at least 6 months after validation if you're UNDER 21 years old.

Prepare for the Written Test Today

The MVC offers a basic practice test to help you prepare for the knowledge exam. You can also ensure passing on your first attempt by using an online practice test from our certified partner.

Examination Permit Restrictions & Driving Practice

With your examination permit, you must:

Breakdown Of Nj Drivers License Number

• Be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
• NOT use any electronic device while driving, including cell phones.
• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate. The decals are $4 and available at the MVA.
• You may not drive from 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Some religious or employment exemptions apply.

Before you can move on to your probationary driver's license, you must practice supervised driving for at least 3 months.

For more information about New Jersey learner's permits, visit our Driver's Permits in New Jersey page.

Apply for Your New NJ Driver's License

Before you can get your full driver's license, you will need to obtain your probationary driver's license.

Probationary License

You can apply for your probationary driver's license after you have held your examination permit for at least 3 months.

To apply, visit your local NJ MVC agency and:

• Complete an Auto License Application (Form BA-208). It is ONLY found at the MVC.
• Provide documents to meet the 6 Point ID requirement.
• Pass the New Jersey MVC driving test.
• Pay the probationary license fee of $10.

With your provisional license, you will be allowed to drive unsupervised, but you MUST:

• NOT use any hand held electronic devices, including cell phones, while driving.
• ONLY transport passengers who are parents, legal guardians, or dependents.
  • Just 1 passenger is allowed unless a parent or guardian is present.
• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate. The decals are $4 and available at the MVC.
• NOT driver from 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Some religious or employment exemptions apply.

Full Driver's License

You can apply for your full New Jersey driver's license once you've held your probationary driver's license for at least 1 year and have practiced driving unsupervised.

To apply for your new driver's license, visit your local New Jersey MVC and:

• Provide your provisional license.
• Provide documents to meet the 6 Point ID requirement.
• Pay the pro-rated upgrade fee.
• Complete the Auto License Application (Form BA-208). This form is ONLY found at the MVC.
• Have your photo taken.

Forms

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Please select one of the below to continue:

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