NJ Works To Reduce MVC Lines As COVID-19 Closes 10 More Centers

NEW JERSEY — Motor Vehicle Commission officials say they're continuing to work to reduce long lines just and 10 centers have closed due to coronavirus cases.

The MVC announced Thursday night that the Wayne and Lodi Licensing Centers are closed due to a single employee testing positive for COVID-19 at each location.

The Wayne Center will be closed until Friday, Nov. 27. The employee who tested positive was last in the Wayne Center last Thursday.

The Lodi Center will be closed until Thursday, Dec. 3. The employee who tested positive was last in the Lodi Center this past Tuesday.

Eight other MVC Centers also remain closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19 at each location, and will reopen on the following dates:

• Trenton Regional/Vehicle Center – reopens Monday
• Eatontown Regional/Licensing Center – reopens Friday
• Rahway Licensing Center – reopens Tuesday
• Bayonne Licensing Center – reopens Wednesday
• Wallington Vehicle Center – reopens Wednesday
• Lakewood Vehicle Center – reopens Saturday, Nov. 28
• Flemington Vehicle Center – reopens Monday, Nov. 30
• Delanco Licensing Center - reopened Monday, Nov. 30

William Connolly, an MVC spokesperson, said the agency has taken several more actions to improve service:

• The MVC has been shifting operations to accommodate appointments for the vast majority of transactions that require a visit to an MVC Center.
• Services such as renewing most basic licenses and vehicle registrations can now be done online at NJMVC.gov.
• However, for those that cannot, Connolly said locals can now make an appointment.
• Connolly said out-of-state transfers and registration/title transfers for privately purchased used cars are also now available by appointment only.
• Appointments are scheduled at NJMVC.gov on a rolling, 30-day basis.

"Offering transactions by appointment has dramatically reduced lines outside MVC Centers. Other recent moves, such as allowing drivers to upgrade probationary licenses online and a change in the law that allows most customers to renew their license online, have eliminated the need for many MVC visits altogether," said Connolly.

The Senate also has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco to help alleviate the logjam at MVCs.

Bucco’s bill would allow new drivers who passed their road tests to drive for 60 days while they are waiting to get their probationary drivers’ license.

The measure is part of an extensive package of Bucco-sponsored legislation to accommodate motorists who have been frustrated by extensive delays at MVC facilities as a result of increased demand caused by the pandemic.

“We can shorten the lines for motorists who need to conduct business in person and lighten the workload for commission employees by postponing one interaction with Motor Vehicles for every new driver,” said Bucco, R-Morris.

“The delays and congestion at MVC are inexcusable, and it is clear the commission needs some help and guidance from the Legislature. This is one of many simple tweaks that can help New Jersey residents get the services they need without forcing them to spend hours and days waiting in line.”

The MVC continues to post daily updates on which agencies have reached capacity. As of 1 p.m., 14 agencies were already closed for Thursday. The updates can be found by clicking here.

Also, in light of Thanksgiving, all MVC facilities, including Licensing and Vehicle Centers, Regional Service Centers, road testing sites, and inspection stations, will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26. Agencies will reopen on Black Friday and Saturday.

To break things down, the transactions that require an in-person visit to an MVC Center include:

At MVC Licensing Centers:

• New license/permit – including CDLs or REAL ID – on a walk-in basis
• REAL ID (if due for renewal within 3 months) – available by appointment (under "License or Non Driver ID Renewal")
• Out-of-state transfer (appointment required)
• Renewals not available online (appointment required – this includes REAL ID, CDLs, probationary licenses, visa-restricted licenses, and licenses expired by more than six months)
• Driver knowledge test (appointment required)

At MVC Vehicle Centers:

• Registration and title transfer for the private purchase of a used car (appointment required)
• Renewals not available online (appointment required)
• License plate surrender (by drop box or drop-off with agency personnel)
• Duplicate title, title/add lien, title replacement, registration/plate replacement – on a walk-in basis

The MVC has also shifted 10 MVC Vehicle Centers to appointment-only, as well:

• Cherry Hill
• Hazlet
• Jersey City
• Lakewood
• Manahawkin
• Medford
• Somerville
• Springfield
• Turnersville
• Wallington

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.