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 SSN or proof of legal status required. To apply:
- Pass the written knowledge test at a New Jersey MVC office.
- Bring identity documents (foreign passport or Consular ID + 2 proofs of state residency dated within 60 days).
- Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.
The license is valid for driving throughout the state but is not accepted as federal ID — not valid 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.
What Documents Do I Need?
Bring 2 categories of document to your New Jersey DMV appointment: proof of identity (a valid foreign passport, national ID, or consular ID) and proof of New Jersey residency, which generally requires 2 documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
- 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.
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
- 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 Can I Do With This License?
Once you have your New Jersey driver's license or driving permit, you can do 4 main things: drive legally anywhere in New Jersey, qualify for car insurance, use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes, and present it as proof of identity to open a bank account. It cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.
- 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.
Does New Jersey require an SSN or ITIN to get a driver's license?
No. New Jersey does not require a Social Security Number or ITIN for its non-domiciled license. You apply with a foreign passport or equivalent ID and two proofs of New Jersey address. The MVC accepts a range of foreign identity documents.
Does applying for a New Jersey driver's license affect my immigration case?
No. The New Jersey MVC does not share your driver's license application with federal immigration agencies for enforcement. Applying for a non-domiciled license is a state process and does not create any immigration record or notification.
Can I use a New Jersey non-domiciled driver's license to board a domestic flight?
No. The New Jersey non-domiciled driver's license is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. For air travel you will need a valid passport or other TSA-accepted REAL ID document. The license is fully valid for driving in New Jersey and throughout the U.S.
Which Other States Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Beyond New Jersey, 19 states and Washington D.C. currently issue driver's licenses or driving permits to undocumented immigrants without requiring an SSN. Each sets its own document rules, but all accept a foreign passport or consular ID in place of a Social Security Number. Browse the full list by state:
For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →