Gov. Phil Murphy Signs Big NJ Driver's License Changes Into Law

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law on Thursday that will create some of the biggest driver's license changes in New Jersey in years.

The law makes two big changes to driver's licenses, creating a two-license system in New Jersey that includes a REAL ID federal license and a standard license for driving and identification purposes for qualified drivers.

The law will essentially expand access to undocumented immigrants, survivors of domestic violence and others who face barriers meeting the REAL ID requirement.

Drivers could end up paying more, too. The new law, A4743/S3229, will also would permit the Motor Vehicle Commission to "increase certain fees," although it's not exactly clear what fees the MVC might want to raise.

Murphy said the new law, which won't take effect until Jan. 1, 2021, will help provide people who need employment a way to get to work, as well as other similar forms of assistance. It will also provide a form of identification to people who need one, and make sure all drivers have a license and insurance.

"Our roads will be safer and our ranks of uninsured drivers will be lower and that will be good for all of us," Murphy said.

Murphy said Democrats tried to get the legislation passed when Chris Christie was governor, but said Christie claimed "it will open the door for terrorists."

"I think that tells us all we need to know where he was coming from," he said.

It doesn't appear that the law will take effect until after the REAL ID program is fully implemented. Read more: New, Updated Changes For NJ Driver's Licenses, REAL ID Wait Times

The law passed the Assembly by a 42-30-5 vote on Monday, eliciting cheers from the balcony when it was approved. The Senate passed it 21-17. Read more: 3 Big Changes Involving NJ Driver's Licenses, MVC Expected.

Here is what the law will also do:

• The law prohibits insurance companies from charging a driver more for having a Standard Basic driver’s license.
• The law prohibits employment, housing and public-accommodation discrimination against an individual for holding a Standard Basic driver’s license or ID.
• The law also requires the chief administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission to establish a 2-year public awareness campaign to inform the public about the availability of and the requirements to obtain a Standard Basic license or REAL ID.
• The law also creates an 11-member advisory board to review the MVC’s implementation of the legislation and the issuance of Standard Basic and REAL ID driver’s licenses.
• A report from the board will be issued to the governor and state Legislature containing its findings and recommendations no later than 12 months following the bill’s effective date.

Here is the signing ceremony (story continues below the video):

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, said the legislation is "fair and responsible."

"It brings us one-step closer to ensuring all motor vehicles and drivers are insured, thereby creating safer roadways for all New Jersey residents," he said.

The ACLU also celebrated:

Republicans such as Sen. Michael Testa expressed their "disappointment" toward its passage.

Testa accused Democrats of "prioritizing driver’s licenses for illegals and eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations over lowering your property taxes. New Jerseyans are so sick and tired of our state’s high cost of living, more than 40 percent have an exit plan in the next five years."

“We need to sound the alarm. Big, meddlesome, and expensive state government does not know best," he said. "Legislative Democrats are either ignoring the fact that so many families are planning to flee New Jersey due to sky-high taxes, or they just don’t care."

Supporters of the law, which was introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Sen. Joseph Vitale, said the legislation is a "common sense" solution for the numerous New Jerseyans who need a driver's licenses to provide and care for their families.

Hundreds have rallied outside the Trenton Statehouse to call for prioritization of legislation to expand access to driver's licenses. Rallygoers from across the state have been 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 or they're 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," Sen. 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."