How to get a driver's license in New Jersey as an immigrant

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?

Visitors may drive up to one year with their foreign license if it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit issued in their country of residence.

Deadline after moving

60 days after moving to New Jersey (or before the current license expires, whichever comes first)

License exchange without tests

2 countries

License without immigration status

Yes

No SSN?

Provide an SSN or ITIN; if ineligible for an SSN and without an ITIN, submit a signed affidavit (notarized or signed in front of an MVC employee).

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive up to one year with their foreign license if it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit issued in their country of residence. Deadline after moving: 60 days after moving to New Jersey (or before the current license expires, whichever comes first).

Exchanging a foreign license

• Taiwan
• South Korea

Applicants 18+, non-commercial Class D only; apply within 30 days before the International Driving Permit expires. Bring a valid foreign license with translation, proof of identity, NJ residency, SSN and proof of at least 12 months of lawful U.S. presence. Taiwan applicants need a Verification of Certificate of Driver's License; Korean applicants need a translation and a Certificate of Driver's License (Apostille/notarial certificate in some cases).

If all criteria are met applicants will be exempt from the requirement to take the knowledge and skills (road) tests. www.nj.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

• Foreign government issued passport from applicant's country of citizenship
• ID card issued by a consulate or national government
• Photo driver license issued by a country other than the US (with another government-issued document)

License regardless of immigration status

Since May 1, 2021 the standard (non-REAL ID) driver license is available to all New Jersey residents without regard to immigration status; there is no special process or special license. Applicants complete the regular Graduated Driver License program. REAL ID still requires documents meeting federal rules.

and non-driver ID cards to include all New Jerseyans without regard to immigration status www.nj.gov

Social Security number

Provide an SSN or ITIN; if ineligible for an SSN and without an ITIN, submit a signed affidavit (notarized or signed in front of an MVC employee).

Individuals ineligible for an SSN and who do not have an ITIN may submit a signed affidavit www.nj.gov

Proof of residency

For a standard license, one proof of NJ residential address showing the applicant's name (electronic or paper accepted).

Applicant must submit one proof from the following either electronically or with a PROOF OF NJ RESIDENCY document. www.nj.gov

Step by step

1. Gather 6 Points of ID (paper originals), proof of NJ address, and SSN, ITIN or affidavit; non-English documents need a certified English translation.
2. Make an MVC appointment for a permit, bring your documents and pay the $10 examination permit fee.
3. Pass the knowledge test and vision test (re-test after 7 days if you fail).
4. Practice supervised driving for 3 months if you are 21 or older (6 months if younger; under 21 also log 50 hours).
5. Book and pass the road test (re-test after 14 days if you fail); your permit is stamped.
6. Get your probationary license at the road test site or any Licensing Center (no appointment needed).
7. Drive unsupervised for 1 year, then upgrade to a basic license.

Fees

Examination permit (auto) $10; initial auto license $24 (REAL ID adds $11).

Examination Permit (auto) | 17 | Applicant must complete permit application (GDL) | Two Years | 10 www.nj.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in New Jersey

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.