Quick Answer
Yes — New Jersey allows undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders to get a standard driver's license under Transportation Trust Fund Act Amendment (2019). No Social Security Number or proof of legal status required. Valid for driving throughout New Jersey but not accepted as federal ID (cannot be used for domestic flights or federal buildings).
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:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →