Getting a New Jersey Drivers License
How to obtain a New Jersey Driver’s License
If you choose to operate a motor vehicle while living in the state of New Jersey, state law requires that you obtain a valid New Jersey driver's license within 60 days of residing in the state. International students, scholars, and their families in New Jersey may apply for a New Jersey driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office.
The MVC office closest to the Princeton campus is located at:
Bakers Basin
Motor Vehicle Commission
3200 Brunswick Pike
Route 1 North
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Identification Required
The New Jersey MVC uses an identification verification process called the 6 point ID verification system which requires that all applicants applying for or renewing a New Jersey driver license or non-driver identification card prove their identity through a required combination of documents. Each type of document is assigned a point value, and the total point value of all documents presented must be at least six (6) points.
For detailed information or to view the 6 Point ID document requirements or to download a 6-point brochure visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.
For international students and scholars the identification documents required will include a valid passport, I-94 card, and I-20 or DS-2019 Form. A Social Security Card is also required unless you are not eligible to obtain one. For driver’s license application purposes, J-2 (without Employment Authorization Document - EAD), F-2 and H-4 holders should request a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicating they are not eligible for a social security number. The nearest SSA office is located at 635 S. Clinton Avenue, 2nd Floor; Trenton, NJ 08611. For directions, please view our section on obtaining Social Security Numbers.
For New Jersey driver’s license purposes, you may use your country's driver’s license as proof of driving experience if you have an IDP issued by your country or if your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and your license is translated into English by a consulate or a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) approved translator.
Please check the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's website to make sure you have all required items with you when applying for a license or to download the Driving in New Jersey Manual.
For details on the other DMV offices, or more information, call 1-888-486-3339 toll free in NJ or 1-609-292-6500 from out of state, or visit Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S.
Driving with an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Foreign motorists with a valid driver licenses from countries that qualify with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic are free to drive personal or rental cars while visiting the United States as a tourist and are advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). You are considered a tourist if you are visiting the United States for a period not exceeding one year and are not authorized to work or attend school in the country. Typically, this will apply to B-1 or B-2 visa holders. The United States does NOT issue IDP’s to foreign visitors, so you will need to obtain this document BEFORE traveling to the U.S.
An IDP translates information contained on your driver's license into 10 languages so that officials in foreign countries are able to interpret your license. An IDP supplements a valid government-issued license--it does not serve as a replacement for a license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will most likely be asked to produce both your IDP and your official driver's license.
For New Jersey driver’s license purposes, you may use your country's driver’s license as proof of driving experience if you have an IDP issued by your country or if your country is a member of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and your license is translated into English by a consulate or a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) approved translator.
