What to bring for your NJ permit, and the REAL ID documents

Standard permit: 6 points, an address and your SSN

No primary or secondary document can be expired by more than three years. New Jersey high school students can use a waiver certificate for the written test as a secondary document.

1. At least one primary document, such as a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Permanent Resident Card or a foreign passport from your country of citizenship.
2. At least one secondary document, such as a school photo ID with a transcript, a health insurance card or a bank statement. You can’t use more than two 1-point documents.
3. Together they must add up to 6 points. The MVC’s online selector adds them up for you.
4. One proof of your New Jersey address with your name on it, such as a bank statement, utility bill, lease or school report card. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian can certify your address on form MR-24.
5. Your Social Security number, which the MVC checks with Social Security. If you don’t have one, an ITIN works. If you have neither, you can sign an affidavit.

REAL ID: the 2+1+6 rule

You don’t need a REAL ID to drive. A standard New Jersey license is fine for driving, voting and ID. You need a REAL ID, or a passport, to fly within the U.S. and to enter some federal buildings. As of October 2026 a standard license costs $24 and a REAL ID costs $35, and your first REAL ID has to be done in person, by appointment.

• 2 proofs of your New Jersey address. Utility and credit card bills must be from the last 90 days, bank statements from the last 60 days.
• 1 proof of your full Social Security number, like your Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub showing the full number.
• 6 points of ID, with exactly one primary document. The point values aren’t the same as for a standard license.

Documents in another language, or with a different name

Any document that isn’t in English needs a certified translation. That can come from the government office that issued it, from a qualified translator with a seal, or from a fluent adult who signs a statement that the translation is complete and accurate.

If your name today isn’t the name on your birth certificate, bring the legal link between them: a certified marriage or civil union certificate, divorce decree or court order.

Also bring on the day

• Parent or guardian consent if you’re under 18
• Your glasses or contacts, for the vision test
• The $10 permit fee, and $4 for the red GDL decals if you’re under 21
• The same 6 points of ID again when you go back for your road test