2 Big Changes To NJ Driver's Licenses Expected

Two big changes are expected for New Jersey driver's licenses that could impact how much you pay – and who's allowed to have them.

The first change could come in the form of legislation introduced this week that would expand access to drivers licenses in New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy has supported legislation that would essentially allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses.

The legislation would create a new two-license system in New Jersey, including a REAL ID federal license and a standard license for driving and identification purposes for qualified drivers.

The REAL ID license could help undocumented immigrants, survivors of domestic violence and others who face barriers meeting the REAL ID requirement, lawmakers say.

The bill also permits the Motor Vehicle Commission to "increase certain fees," though its not exactly clear what fees the MVC would want to raise. The bill, which was introduced on Monday, provides very few details.

Under similar legislation proposed earlier in the year, the MVC may charge an additional fee, not to exceed $50 per driver’s license, to offset administrative costs associated with the production and distribution of the new driver’s license. This additional fee would expire 36 months after the effective date of the bill.

If passed, the new bill proposed this week would allow residents unable to prove lawful presence in the United States to receive permits and standard driver's licenses or identification cards.

The 2005 REAL ID act imposes stronger requirements for proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver's licenses to be valid for federal purposes. The law was passed in response to national security concerns after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

New Jersey has gotten an extension for REAL ID enforcement that will allow federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from New Jersey at federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until Oct. 10, 2019, according to the Motor Vehicle Commission.

Read more: New Deadline For REAL ID In New Jersey: What To Know

The legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Senator Joseph Vitale, meanwhile, is mainly intended to help immigrants and others who face barriers in obtaining a license under the REAL ID program.

The proposed legislation is a "common sense" solution for the numerous New Jerseyans who need a driver's licenses to provide and care for their families, said Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson.

“From immigrants to senior citizens, from the homeless to survivors of domestic violence, this option would protect residents' privacy while ensuring that all drivers can be trained, tested, and have access to insurance," Sayegh said.

"Our police can better focus on what matters and free up resources in courts and jails due to fewer unlicensed or uninsured drivers. And Patersonians can go about their daily lives by driving to work, dropping their kids off at school, and visiting the doctor without fear."

Dover Mayor James P. Dodd said the bill "will protect all New Jersey drivers and will allow individuals to stop relying on others for their transportation needs."

"I urge lawmakers to do the right thing for all New Jersey residents and support this critical bill,” he said.

Similar legislation was introduced earlier in 2018. The “New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act” would establish driver’s licenses for New Jersey residents who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States.

Specifically, under the provisions of this bill, the Motor Vehicle Commission would b required to issue a driver’s license to a person who satisfies the requirements for the issuance of a basic driver’s license but cannot prove lawful presence in the United States.

Under the bill, each applicant would be required to submit to the MVC proof of identity, date of birth, and residency in this state.

MVC photos