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How to Get ID & Documents in New Jersey

New Jersey issues state identification cards through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The state has robust reentry support through the Department of Corrections and the NJ Motor Voter program, which helps streamline ID access for eligible residents.

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Quick Answer

Visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency with 6 points of identification (primary ID, secondary ID, proof of SSN, and proof of address). A non-driver ID costs $24, and REAL ID-compliant cards are available at the same price. Processing takes about 2 weeks for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

New Jersey ID Agency

Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

Website: nj.gov/mvc

Phone: (609) 292-6500

State ID Card

Cost: $24

REAL ID: $24

Processing: About 2 weeks by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • 6 points of identification: primary ID worth 4 points (birth certificate, passport), secondary ID worth 1 point, proof of SSN worth 1 point
  • Proof of current New Jersey address (utility bill, bank statement, lease)
  • Proof of legal presence for non-citizens
  • Two forms of address verification for REAL ID

New Jersey uses a unique 6-point verification system. You must present documents totaling at least 6 points from approved categories. A birth certificate or passport is worth 4 points, a Social Security card is 1 point, and a bank statement or utility bill is 1 point. Check the MVC website for the full point chart.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry

Cost: $25

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 4-6 weeks by mail; same day at local registrar

Order online: nj.gov/health/vital

New Jersey birth certificates can be ordered online, by mail from the State Registrar, or in person at the local registrar in the municipality where the birth occurred. Online orders are processed through NJ-EDRS or VitalChek with additional service fees. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) operates a comprehensive reentry program that includes identification assistance. The NJ Motor Voter program, established by law, facilitates voter registration and can help connect returning citizens with MVC services. The DOC coordinates with the MVC to help individuals obtain state IDs before or shortly after release.

Homeless Provisions

New Jersey does not have a formal statewide fee waiver for homeless individuals seeking state IDs. However, the state has numerous organizations, including Homeless Solutions, Inc. and the NJ 211 referral system, that connect individuals with assistance for obtaining identification documents.

Fee Waivers

New Jersey does not offer a general fee waiver for state IDs. However, some county social services departments and nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance for ID costs. The NJ Reentry Corporation offers specific support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in New Jersey: $25.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the MVC. Cost: $24.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the MVC, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest MVC office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the MVC as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state MVC offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for New Jersey-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the MVC to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some MVC offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than New Jersey, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in New Jersey but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the New JerseyState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in New Jersey and register to vote. See our New Jersey voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More New Jersey Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a New Jersey state ID cost?
A New Jersey non-driver identification card costs $24 and is valid for 4 years. REAL ID-compliant cards are available at the same price.
What is the 6-point ID verification system?
New Jersey requires documents totaling at least 6 points for identification. A birth certificate or passport is worth 4 points, a Social Security card is 1 point, and a utility bill or bank statement showing your address is 1 point. Check the MVC 6-point chart online for the complete list of accepted documents and their point values.
How do I get my New Jersey birth certificate?
You can order a New Jersey birth certificate online through the NJ-EDRS system, by mail from the State Registrar, or in person at the local registrar in the municipality where you were born. The cost is $25 per certified copy.
What help is available for getting ID after leaving a New Jersey prison?
The New Jersey Department of Corrections provides reentry planning that includes help with identification. The NJ Reentry Corporation and other community organizations also offer assistance. The NJ Motor Voter program helps connect returning citizens with MVC services.
Do I need an appointment at the NJ MVC?
New Jersey MVC agencies operate on both appointment and walk-in bases, but appointments are strongly recommended to reduce wait times. You can schedule appointments online through the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc.
Can I get a New Jersey ID if I don't have a Social Security number?
You need proof of your Social Security number as part of the 6-point system (it counts as 1 point). If you have lost your Social Security card, you can apply for a free replacement at your local SSA office or online at ssa.gov before visiting the MVC.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local MVC, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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