The Six Points System at New Jersey DMV

New Jersey requires you to bring documents that add up to six points of identification when you explore for a driver's license or state ID card. Each document you bring is assigned a point value — some are worth more than others. You do not need exactly six different documents; you need documents that total six points or more. For example, a U.S. passport counts as six points on its own, so you could walk in with just that. Or you could bring a birth certificate (three points) plus a Social Security card (one point) plus a utility bill (one point) plus a credit card (one point) and meet the requirement.

The point system exists so the DMV can verify your identity and residency before issuing credentials. New Jersey groups documents into categories based on how difficult they are to forge. A document issued by the federal government is worth more points than a document you could create yourself. Understanding which documents are worth how many points helps you gather the right combination before you go to the DMV, so you do not make a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents totaling six points or more; a single U.S. passport or birth certificate plus other documents can meet this requirement.
  • Federal documents like passports and birth certificates are worth three to six points; state and local documents are worth one to three points.
  • Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements count toward the six points and prove your New Jersey residency at the same time.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images on a phone screen will not be accepted.
  • If a document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original.

Documents Worth Six Points

A U.S. passport or passport card is the only single document that satisfies the entire six-point requirement on its own. If you have a valid passport, you can bring it alone and skip gathering additional documents. The passport must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago; New Jersey accepts passports that are slightly out of date.

A certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate also counts as six points. The certificate must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself and not a hospital birth announcement. The seal and signature from the vital records office are what make it certified. If you were born outside the United States, a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is worth six points.

Documents Worth Three Points

A birth certificate that is not certified — meaning it lacks the official seal and signature from the vital records office — is worth three points instead of six. You would need to bring it along with other documents totaling at least three more points. A valid U.S. military ID card is also worth three points. A valid passport from a foreign country counts as three points if you are not yet a U.S. citizen.

A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship that is not original or certified is worth three points. A valid driver's license or state ID card from another state is worth three points, though you will be turning in your old license when you get your New Jersey one. An employment authorization document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is worth three points.

Documents Worth One or Two Points

Social Security cards, credit cards, debit cards, and library cards are each worth one point. A New Jersey vehicle registration or title is worth one point. A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement is worth one point — these documents also prove you live in New Jersey, which is required for a New Jersey ID. A pay stub from your employer is worth one point if it shows your name and current address.

An insurance card — whether auto, health, or homeowner's — is worth one point. A property tax bill or assessment is worth one point. A document issued by a government agency showing your name and address, such as a voter registration card or a letter from the Social Security Administration, is worth one point. A school or college ID is worth one point if it shows your photograph.

A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is worth two points. A document showing a name change — such as a court order or a certified copy from the vital records office — is worth two points. A valid military discharge paper (DD-214) is worth two points.

Proof of New Jersey Residency

You must prove you live in New Jersey, and certain documents count toward both your six points and your residency proof at the same time. A utility bill in your name, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a pay stub, a property tax bill, or a voter registration card all work for this purpose. The document must show your name and your current New Jersey address. A utility bill dated within the last 60 days is the most straightforward option.

If you have just moved to New Jersey and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement signed by you and your landlord works just as well. If you are living with someone else and your name is not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the document, stating that you live there. The letter must include the address and be signed in front of a notary public.

What to Bring and What Will Not Work

Bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and images on your phone screen will not be accepted. If a document is not in English, bring both the original and an official translation. The translation must be certified by the translator or by an organization that provides official translations.

Expired documents can sometimes count toward your six points — for example, an expired passport or an expired out-of-state driver's license — but an expired utility bill or lease agreement will not work as proof of current residency. If you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted, call the New Jersey DMV at 609-292-6500 before you go. Having the right documents ready means you can complete your transaction in one visit.

If You Are Missing Documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states charge between $15 and $30 for a certified copy and can mail it to you within one to two weeks. You can order online, by mail, or by phone. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office's website.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can explore for one at your local Social Security Administration office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity. The SSA will issue you a card within one to two weeks. If you cannot gather six points of ID before your appointment, you can reschedule. The DMV will not turn you away and charge you a fee; you straightforward will not be able to complete your transaction that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a digital copy of a document?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies in paper form. Digital images, screenshots, and PDF files on your phone will not be accepted. Bring physical documents to your appointment.

Does my passport have to be valid, or can it be expired?

A U.S. passport can be expired, but not by more than five years. If your passport expired more than five years ago, it will not count toward your six points. Foreign passports must be valid.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a document that explains the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These documents are worth two points and help the DMV understand why your name appears differently on your other papers.

Can I use a lease agreement if my roommate's name is on it instead of mine?

Not as a primary document. However, you can bring a notarized letter from your roommate stating that you live at that address. The letter must be signed in front of a notary public and include the full address.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is a number enough?

You need to bring the physical card. Telling the DMV your Social Security number is not the same as proving you have a card. The card itself is worth one point toward your six-point total.