The Six Points of Identification New Jersey Requires

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 worth a certain number of points based on how difficult it is to obtain and how reliably it proves who you are. You do not have to bring exactly six different documents — you might bring two documents worth three points each, or one worth four points and two worth one point each. The state publishes the point values so you can plan what to bring before you go to the Motor Vehicle Commission office.

The documents must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring an official translation along with it. All documents must be current or, if they have an expiration date, not expired by more than one year.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents that total six points; a single four-point document plus a two-point document will meet the requirement.
  • Birth certificates, passports, and Social Security cards are among the highest-value documents, worth three or four points each.
  • Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements are worth one or two points and are useful for filling gaps.
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies, and any document in a foreign language must come with an official English translation.
  • The Motor Vehicle Commission website lists the full point schedule so you can verify your documents before your appointment.

Four-Point Documents

A U.S. passport is worth four points and is one of the easiest ways to meet most of the requirement on its own. You need only one more point after bringing a passport. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) also counts as four points.

A certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born is worth four points. The certificate must show your full name, date of birth, and the names of both parents. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy does not count.

A valid foreign passport is also worth four points if you are not yet a U.S. citizen.

Three-Point Documents

A U.S. Social Security card is worth three points. It must be an original card or an official replacement card from the Social Security Administration. A letter from Social Security stating your number does not count.

A permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is worth three points. Both must be valid and not expired.

A certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is worth three points.

A valid military ID card or a military discharge paper (DD Form 214) is worth three points.

Two-Point Documents

A current or recently expired out-of-state driver's license or ID card is worth two points. It must not be expired by more than one year.

A valid out-of-state learner's permit is worth two points.

A current or recently expired passport from another country is worth two points if it has not been expired for more than one year.

A school ID card issued by an accredited college or university is worth two points if it includes your photograph and date of birth.

A current employee ID card from a federal, state, or local government agency is worth two points and must include your photograph.

One-Point Documents

A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or telephone) is worth one point. It must show your name and current address and be dated within the last two months.

A bank or credit union statement in your name is worth one point. It must show your name and address and be dated within the last two months.

A lease or rental agreement in your name is worth one point. It must show your name and address and be signed by both you and the landlord.

A mortgage statement or property tax bill in your name is worth one point.

A homeowner's or renter's insurance policy in your name is worth one point.

A current or recently expired school ID from a high school or middle school is worth one point if it includes your photograph.

A W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document from the previous year is worth one point if it shows your name and address.

A letter from a government agency (such as a court, probation office, or social services agency) is worth one point if it shows your name and address and is dated within the last two months.

Documents That Do Not Count

Photocopies, faxes, and digital images do not count, even if they are clear. You must bring originals or certified copies issued by the organization that created the document.

Documents that have been altered, corrected, or amended do not count unless the alteration was made by the issuing agency and is certified.

Expired documents count only if they expired within the last year. A driver's license that expired two years ago does not count toward your six points.

Documents that do not show your name, date of birth, or current address do not count, even if they are otherwise valid. For example, a utility bill addressed to a previous resident does not count.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Gather your documents before you schedule your appointment so you know you have enough points. Write down the point value of each document using the Motor Vehicle Commission's official list. Bring the originals or certified copies in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original document and an official English translation. A translation done by a friend or family member does not count — it must come from a professional translator or from the agency that issued the document.

Bring your Social Security number or a copy of your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring proof of your New Jersey residency if you do not already have a document in your name showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last two months will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate on my phone?

No. You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate printed on paper. A photograph or PDF on your phone does not count. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if my documents are in Spanish or another language?

Bring both the original document and an official English translation. The translation must be done by a professional translator or provided by the agency that issued the document. A translation by a family member does not count.

Does an expired passport still count toward my six points?

A passport that expired within the last year still counts as four points. If it expired more than one year ago, it does not count. Check the expiration date on your passport before your appointment.

Can I use a school ID from five years ago?

No. A school ID must be current. If you are no longer a student, your old school ID does not count. You will need to use other documents instead.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. You can still meet the six-point requirement using other documents. The Motor Vehicle Commission staff can tell you which documents will work for your situation.