3 Big Changes Involving NJ Driver's Licenses, MVC Expected

NEW JERSEY – More big changes are possible for New Jersey driver's licenses and other services at the Motor Vehicle Commission that could impact how much you pay – and who's allowed to have driving privileges.

One piece of legislation could save you money when you go to the MVC, while another could turn that around and charge you more. It's just not known how much more.

The changes could come as more MVC agencies are now available to provide REAL ID services to people across New Jersey. Read more: NJ Issues Important Update On Driver's License Changes, REAL ID

Here's what's in store:

• The first change would come in the form of another piece of legislation that would eliminate a $1.50 service fee that was added to online purchases this past spring.
• The second change would come in the form of legislation 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 third change would come in the form of additional fees. The same legislation that would expand access to driver's licenses also would permit the Motor Vehicle Commission to "increase certain fees," though it's not exactly clear what fees the MVC would want to raise.

The first change would come after the $1.50 convenience fee was quietly reinstated several months ago for online services.

The MVC had eliminated the 50-cent to $1.50 convenience fees that motorists were charged for a variety of online services, including registration renewals, as part of an effort to speed up wait times at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency offices, according to NJ101.5.

Jim Hooker, an MVC spokesman, told nj.com: “We began charging the online fee effective April 24 after the suspension of the credit card convenience fees expired ... The convenience fee is charged by the credit-card processing service, not by the state of New Jersey.”

Assemblyman Kevin Rooney, R-Passaic, told 101.5 he has legislation which would permanently eliminate any motor vehicle fees that are typically different from what you’re charged when you go to a motor vehicle agency.

“Long lines are always something you have to deal with. We need to do everything in our power to have residents of the state of New Jersey be able to do as much online as possible without paying additional fees," he told the station.

The second change, meanwhile, would come in the form of a bill that's gaining momentum in the state Legislature.

The legislation, A4743/S3229, would create a 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 bill would essentially expand access to undocumented immigrants, survivors of domestic violence and others who face barriers meeting the REAL ID requirement.

The bill to expand access to drivers licenses, introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Senator Joseph Vitale, is mainly intended to help immigrants and others who face barriers in obtaining a license under the REAL ID program.

Senate President Steve Sweeney has expressed a willingness to move on the measure, but Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin told nj.com last week that more needs to be done before it will come up for a vote.

Supporters, however, say 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.

Last week, hundreds rallied outside the Trenton Statehouse to call for prioritization of legislation to expand access to driver’s licenses. Rally-goers from across the state were joined by several members of the legislature, all pushing for the legislation's passage now that the November election is over.

In New Jersey, more than 700,000 residents lack access to a state-issued driver’s license, supporters say. Many lack access because of their immigration status, but also because of their low-income status, they're formerly incarcerated, they're homeless and their survivors of domestic violence, supporters say.

“I support this very crucial legislation to expand access to a simple driver’s license for more New Jersey residents. This is an issue not just for immigrants but for Black and Brown communities as well, who face increased barriers in getting a driver’s license," Senator Sandra B. Cunninghan said.

"Communities are over-policed and face incarceration at higher rates, leading to more individuals who lose their important documentation when they are incarcerated. A more accessible driver’s license system, which allows more documents to be used to get a driver’s license, is common-sense, including county jail-issued ID cards. With improved access to a driver’s license, more New Jersey families can have stability and thrive.”