New Jersey accepts six types of identification documents at the DMV

When you visit a New Jersey DMV office, you will need to bring one document from the state's list of accepted forms of ID. The six categories are: a valid passport, a valid driver's license or non-driver ID from another U.S. state or territory, a military ID, a tribal ID, a consular ID, or a valid foreign passport. You do not need to bring all six — you need one document from this list, and it must not be expired.

The document you bring must match the transaction you are doing. If you are renewing your license, the rules are different from getting a new license for the first time. If you are changing your address, you may need additional documents beyond just ID. The six-point list is the starting point, but New Jersey often requires proof of residency, Social Security number verification, and other supporting documents depending on what you are doing at the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID each count as one of the six accepted forms of ID at New Jersey DMV offices.
  • A driver's license or non-driver ID from another U.S. state or territory is accepted, as long as it has not expired.
  • A consular ID issued by a foreign government or a valid foreign passport also satisfy the ID requirement.
  • The ID you bring must be current — expired documents do not count, even if they were valid when issued.
  • Bringing ID is only the first step; most DMV transactions also require proof of residency, Social Security verification, or other documents depending on what you are doing.

U.S. Passports and Military Documents

A valid U.S. passport is one of the clearest forms of ID for any DMV transaction in New Jersey. It does not expire for 10 years (or 5 years if you were under 16 when it was issued), and the DMV accepts it without question. You do not need to bring anything else to prove your identity if you have a current passport.

A military ID card — the Common Access Card (CAC) or a military dependent ID — also counts as one of the six accepted forms. These are issued by the Department of Defense and are recognized nationwide. If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent of someone in the military, this is often the fastest form of ID to bring to the DMV because it is hard to forge and the DMV staff are familiar with it.

State Driver's Licenses and Non-Driver IDs from Other States

If you have a valid driver's license or non-driver ID from another U.S. state or territory, New Jersey will accept it. This includes licenses from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The license or ID must not be expired. If it expired more than a few months ago, bring it anyway — the DMV staff will tell you whether it is acceptable for your specific transaction.

A non-driver ID is a state-issued photo ID that is not a driver's license. Many states issue these to people who do not drive. New Jersey accepts them from other states just as it accepts driver's licenses. If you are moving to New Jersey from another state and need to get a New Jersey license, bring your current out-of-state license or ID as your proof of identity.

Tribal IDs and Consular Documents

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe counts as one of the six accepted forms of ID. The tribe must be recognized by the U.S. federal government. If you have a tribal ID, bring it along with any other documents the DMV asks for based on your transaction type.

A consular ID is an identity document issued by a foreign government's consulate or embassy in the United States. Many countries issue these to their citizens living abroad. New Jersey accepts consular IDs as long as they are current and include a photo. A valid foreign passport also counts. If you are using a foreign document, the DMV may ask for additional proof that you are authorized to be in the United States, depending on what you are doing.

What Happens If Your ID Is Expired

An expired ID does not count toward the six accepted forms, with one exception: if your ID expired because of a documented emergency or hardship — such as a government office closure during a pandemic — New Jersey may accept it. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether your specific expired document will work.

If your ID is expired and you cannot use it, bring one of the other five types instead. If you do not have any of the six forms of ID, you will need to contact the DMV to find out what alternative documents you can bring. This is rare, but it happens to people who have lost their passport and do not have a driver's license from any state.

ID Plus Other Required Documents for Your Transaction

Bringing one of the six forms of ID is necessary but usually not enough. Most DMV transactions in New Jersey also require proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and documents related to what you are doing. If you are getting a new license, you need a birth certificate or passport. If you are renewing, you may only need your ID and your current license. If you are changing your address, you need proof that you live at your new address.

The DMV website lists what documents you need for each type of transaction. Before you go to the office, check what you are doing — renewing, getting a new license, changing your address, or something else — and gather all the documents listed. Bringing only ID and forgetting the other paperwork is the most common reason people have to reschedule their DMV visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport if it is the only ID I have?

No, an expired passport does not count as one of the six accepted forms. However, if your passport expired during a documented emergency or government closure, call your local New Jersey DMV office to ask whether they will make an exception. Otherwise, you will need to bring one of the other five types of ID.

Does my out-of-state driver's license need to be a "REAL ID" license?

No. New Jersey accepts any valid driver's license or non-driver ID from another state, whether or not it is a REAL ID. The REAL ID standard matters for federal purposes like boarding an airplane, but the DMV does not require it when you are doing state business in New Jersey.

What if I have a passport card instead of a passport book?

A U.S. passport card is a valid form of ID and counts as one of the six accepted forms. It is smaller than a passport book but serves the same purpose for DMV transactions. Make sure it is not expired.

Can I use a school ID or work ID instead?

No. School IDs, work IDs, and other institutional IDs do not count toward the six accepted forms. You must bring a passport, military ID, tribal ID, consular ID, foreign passport, or a driver's license or non-driver ID from a U.S. state or territory.

Do I need to bring the original document or can I bring a copy?

You must bring the original document. The DMV will not accept a photocopy or a digital image on your phone. Bring the physical ID card or passport itself.