The six points of identification New Jersey requires

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) requires you to bring documents that add up to six points of identification when you explore for a driver's license or state ID card. Each document you bring is worth a certain number of points — you need documents totaling at least six points to prove who you are. The MVC does not accept a single document as proof; you must bring multiple forms of ID.

The points system exists because no single document is considered completely find on its own. A birth certificate alone is not enough. A Social Security card alone is not enough. You combine documents until you reach six points, and the MVC verifies them before issuing your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring documents totaling at least six points; the MVC will not accept fewer points or a single document as proof of identity.
  • A birth certificate or passport counts as four points, while a Social Security card, school ID, or utility bill counts as one point each.
  • Documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for any document.
  • You can bring more than six points worth of documents; the MVC will use what it needs and return the rest to you.
  • If you do not have common documents like a birth certificate, you can use combinations of other documents like a school ID, work ID, and utility bill to reach six points.

Documents worth four points

A U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy) is worth four points. A U.S. passport (valid or expired) is also worth four points. Either of these documents gets you halfway to the six points you need. If you bring a birth certificate, it must show your full name and date of birth and must be issued by the state or territory where you were born.

A passport does not need to be current to count toward your six points. An expired U.S. passport is still accepted. If you have a passport, bringing it covers most of your identification requirement and leaves you needing only two more points from other documents.

Documents worth two points

A driver's license or ID card from another state counts as two points. A military ID (current or expired) is also worth two points. A U.S. passport card (not the full passport book) counts as two points. If you have any of these, you are one-third of the way to six points.

These documents are accepted because they already required identity verification when they were issued. The MVC trusts that another state's DMV or the military performed background checks before issuing them.

Documents worth one point each

Several documents count as one point: a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease or mortgage document, a property tax bill, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. You can also use a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers as one point each.

To reach six points, you might bring a birth certificate (four points) plus a Social Security card (one point) plus a utility bill (one point). Or you might bring a passport (four points) plus a work ID (one point) plus a school ID (one point). The combination depends on what documents you have on hand.

Utility bills, bank statements, and lease documents must show your name and current address. They must be dated within the last three months. A utility bill from six months ago will not count.

What the MVC will not accept

Photocopies, faxes, and scans do not count toward your six points. You must bring original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a document stamped and signed by the issuing authority — for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in your birth state.

Documents that are altered, damaged, or illegible will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is water-damaged or your Social Security card is faded, the MVC may reject it. Bring documents in the best condition you have.

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation. If you have a foreign birth certificate, you will need a certified English translation along with the original.

How to prepare your documents before your MVC visit

Gather your documents at home before you go to the MVC. Add up the points to make sure you have at least six. Write down which documents you are bringing and their point values so you can verify the total. Bring originals or certified copies only — do not bring photocopies.

If any document shows an old address, bring a second document showing your current address. The MVC uses your documents to verify both your identity and your current residence. A utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months is the fastest way to prove your current address.

Check the MVC website for the current list of accepted documents before your appointment. The list does not change often, but the MVC occasionally updates it. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip.

What happens if you do not have six points

If you arrive at the MVC with fewer than six points, you will not be able to complete your process that day. The MVC will tell you which documents you are missing and send you home to find them. You will need to schedule another appointment or return another day.

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, you can use other documents. For example, you might bring a school ID (one point), a work ID (one point), a utility bill (one point), a bank statement (one point), a Social Security card (one point), and a lease document (one point) — that is six points without a birth certificate. The MVC accepts many combinations as long as the total reaches six.

If you were born outside the United States, contact the MVC before your appointment to ask which documents they will accept. Some foreign birth certificates require additional verification steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID if I graduated years ago?

Yes, an expired school ID still counts as one point. The MVC does not require it to be current. However, it must show your name clearly and be in readable condition.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a birth certificate and passport?

No. A birth certificate (four points) and a passport (four points) total eight points, which exceeds the six-point requirement. You can bring just those two documents. The MVC will use what it needs and return the rest.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but shows my address?

A utility bill in someone else's name will not count toward your six points. The document must show your name. Bring a different document in your name, such as a bank statement or lease agreement.

Can I use a credit card statement as proof of address?

No. The MVC does not accept credit card statements. Acceptable documents showing your current address include utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, mortgage documents, and property tax bills — all dated within the last three months.

Do I need certified copies, or will originals work?

Originals work. You do not need certified copies unless you do not have the original. For example, if you lost your birth certificate, you would order a certified copy from the vital records office in your birth state. Photocopies are never accepted.