What the 6 Points System Means

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission uses a 6-point identification system to verify your identity when you explore for a driver's license or state ID card. You must present documents that add up to at least 6 points. Each document is assigned a point value based on how difficult it is to obtain and how reliably it proves who you are. A birth certificate counts as 6 points on its own, while a utility bill counts as 1 point — so you might bring a birth certificate alone, or combine several lower-point documents to reach 6.

The MVC introduced this system to prevent identity fraud and may support that the person explore for a license is actually the person named on the process. You cannot straightforward bring whatever documents you have at home; the MVC has a specific list of approved documents, and only those documents count toward your 6 points.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. birth certificate is worth 6 points by itself and is the fastest way to meet the requirement if you have one.
  • A valid U.S. passport is also worth 6 points and serves the same purpose as a birth certificate.
  • If you do not have a 6-point document, you can combine lower-point documents — for example, a Social Security card (3 points) plus a utility bill (1 point) plus a bank statement (1 point) plus a school ID (1 point) equals 6 points.
  • Documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
  • You must bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your New Jersey residency in addition to your 6 points of ID.

Documents Worth 6 Points

If you have any of these documents, you can satisfy the entire 6-point requirement with just one:

  • U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Valid U.S. passport
  • Valid U.S. passport card
  • Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
  • Valid military ID (active duty or retired)
  • Valid state driver's license or ID from another state

A certified copy of your birth certificate is the document most people bring. You can order one from the New Jersey Department of Health, Vital Statistics office, or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, though expedited options are available for an additional fee.

If you have a valid passport or military ID, bring it — you are done with the identification requirement and can move on to proving your Social Security number and New Jersey address.

Documents Worth 3 Points

These documents are each worth 3 points:

  • Social Security card
  • Original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or divorce decree
  • Valid foreign passport
  • Employment authorization document (EAD)
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Tribal ID card

If you bring a Social Security card and one other 3-point document, you reach 6 points. For example, a Social Security card plus a marriage certificate equals 6 points. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

Documents Worth 1 or 2 Points

Lower-point documents are useful when combined. Documents worth 2 points include a high school diploma or GED, a college transcript or diploma, a professional license, a utility bill in your name, a bank or credit card statement, a lease or mortgage document, a property tax bill, and a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Documents worth 1 point include a school ID, a work ID, a library card, a credit report, and a pay stub.

You can mix and match these to reach 6 points. For example: a Social Security card (3 points) plus a utility bill (2 points) plus a school ID (1 point) equals 6 points. All documents must be originals or certified copies, and documents with your name and address (like a utility bill) must be current — typically dated within the last 60 days.

What Documents the MVC Will Not Accept

Photocopies, faxes, and digital images do not count, even if they are clear and legible. The MVC must see the original document or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it. A certified copy is stamped or sealed by the issuing office and includes a statement that it is a true copy of the original.

Expired documents do not count. A passport that expired five years ago, for example, has no point value. The exception is a state driver's license or ID from another state — the MVC will accept it even if it is expired, as long as it is not more than two years past expiration.

Documents that do not have your name on them do not count. A utility bill in your spouse's name or a bank statement in your parent's name cannot be used, even if you live at that address.

Bringing Your Documents to the MVC

Bring the original documents or certified copies in a folder or envelope. Do not staple or tape them together. The MVC staff will handle them and may make copies for your file, so bring documents you are comfortable letting out of your hands for a few minutes.

If a document is damaged, torn, or faded, bring it anyway — the MVC staff will decide whether it is legible enough to count. If it is not, you will be told on the spot and can present another document.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a 1099 form) and proof of your New Jersey address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days). These are separate from your 6 points of ID.

If You Cannot Find Your Documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or other high-point document, you can order a certified copy. A birth certificate from New Jersey costs around $25 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office — costs and timelines vary.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. Replacement cards are free and usually arrive within two weeks.

If you do not have any documents yet, start with your birth certificate. It is the single easiest way to meet the 6-point requirement and is needed for many other purposes anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my birth certificate?

No. The MVC requires an original or certified copy. A photo or PDF on your phone does not count. You must bring the physical document or a certified copy issued by the vital records office.

What if my name has changed since I got my birth certificate?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Together they prove your identity and explain the name difference.

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

Your passport must be valid (not expired) to count as 6 points. An expired passport has no point value. However, a state driver's license from another state can be expired by up to two years and still count.

Can I use documents from other countries?

A foreign passport counts as 3 points. Other foreign documents — a foreign birth certificate, foreign ID card, or foreign driver's license — do not count under New Jersey's system. You need U.S. documents or documents issued by U.S. government agencies.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get a New Jersey driver's license or ID card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can explore at the MVC.