How to Get a State Identification Card in New Jersey

If a New Jersey resident does not have a driver's license, they must acquire a state-issued identification card. Without some form of official ID, an individual cannot vote, open a bank account or board a plane. A person can get an ID from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) as long as they can provide the required supporting documents and pay a small fee.

People living in the state of New Jersey who are 14-years-old or older can apply for a state-issued ID card. The MVC issues IDs cards solely to provide photo identification. Individuals who have driver's licenses from other states are not eligible for a New Jersey ID card. A customer with a suspended license can get an ID card from the MVC until the agency resolves their suspension.

To get an ID card, applicants must fill out a Non-driver ID Application (Form BA-208) and schedule an appointment with the MVC Licensing Center nearest to them. The fee for the card is $24; duplicates are $11. Individuals can pay the fee to MVC with American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, money orders, checks or cash. Once the applicant passes the 6 Points of ID verification requirements and pays the fee, the MVC issues their card through the mail.

To get a state-issued ID card or a New Jersey driver's license, permit or boat license, individuals must pass the state's six points of ID verification by showing:

• At least one primary document. For example, a U.S. passport, birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization.
• At least one secondary document. For example, a signed court order for a legal name change, U.S. military discharge documents or a New Jersey Public Assistance Card.

In addition, applicants must have a verifiable Social Security number, an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), or an SSN ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration. They must also show proof of address.

Disabled New Jerseyans who are 14-years-old or older can also apply for a state-issued ID card. It is not a license to drive, and holders cannot use it to park in a handicapped accessible parking space. There is no renewal fee for disabled applicants, however, getting the initial card costs $6. Applicants can pay the MVC with American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, money orders, checks or cash. Applicants follow the same steps as noted above, but must also have their doctor complete a Physician Certification for Blind or Disabled Person, Non-driver ID Application.

Disabled and non-disabled applicants will have their photos taken for driver's licenses and non-driver ID card. The MVC takes a full-face picture of each applicant from the bottom of their chin to the top of their forehead, so they need to remove any head covering. If the applicant has a religious or medical issue, and needs to wear a head covering while having their picture taken, they must advise the MVC of this at the agency camera station.