Driver's License in New Jersey Without an SSN (2026)

Can You Get a Driver's License in New Jersey Without an SSN?

Yes. New Jersey allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under Transportation Trust Fund Act Amendment (2019). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.

New Jersey calls its license the "non-domiciled" driver's license. It looks similar to a standard NJ license but is marked differently. New Jersey has a large immigrant population and NJ MVC offices in immigrant-heavy areas are experienced with these applications.

⚠️ License type

Non-Domiciled driver's license — not valid as federal ID (REAL ID). This license is valid for driving but cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or as a federal form of ID. For air travel you will need your passport.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your New Jersey DMV appointment:

1Primary identity document — valid foreign passport (6 points)
2Proof of New Jersey address — 1 document required: utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail
3Note: NJ uses a point system — your foreign passport typically satisfies the primary document requirement at 6 points

💡 Tip

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified translation.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather your foreign passport and 1 proof of NJ address
Step 2: Visit a New Jersey MVC agency
Step 3: Complete the application
Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test
Step 5: Pass the vision exam
Step 6: Pass the road skills test
Step 7: License mailed to your address

What This License Allows

Once you have your New Jersey driver's license or driving permit, you can:

Drive legally anywhere in New Jersey
Get car insurance (insurers require a valid license)
Use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes
Use it as proof of identity at banks and credit unions — this can help with opening an account

You cannot use this license to:

Board domestic flights (need a passport or REAL ID)
Enter federal buildings or military bases
Prove immigration status or work authorization

💡 Next step: build credit

A driver's license is accepted by many banks as a second form of ID alongside your ITIN — making it easier to open an account. See which banks accept ITIN →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in New Jersey? +

Yes. New Jersey's 2019 law allows undocumented immigrants to get a non-domiciled driver's license using a foreign passport and proof of NJ address. No SSN is required.

What is a non-domiciled driver's license in New Jersey? +

A non-domiciled license is issued to NJ residents who cannot prove U.S. legal domicile. It is valid for driving in New Jersey and other states but is not a REAL ID and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

Other States That Allow This

19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license or driving permit. Browse by state:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →