NJ 6 Points of ID: What to Bring to the MVC

NJ 6 points of ID means the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) wants proof of age and identity from its 6 Points of ID document list for permit, license and ID visits. The MVC says these identity documents must be paper or hard copies only. You also bring proof of your New Jersey address (paper or electronic) and your Social Security number, and you fill out form BA-208 (nj.gov/mvc).

At US Driving School in New Jersey we see students turned away at the counter more often for paperwork than for anything else. A ten-minute check at home saves a second trip.

Quick answer

• Bring identity documents worth at least 6 points in total from the MVC list.
• Include at least one primary document. The MVC's document sheets split the list into primary and secondary documents.
• Bring proof of your New Jersey address: one for a standard license, two for a REAL ID. Address proofs can be paper or electronic.
• Have your Social Security number ready. The MVC also accepts an ITIN or an affidavit in some cases.
• Identity documents must be paper or hard copies. Phone screenshots and electronic copies do not count for the 6 points.
• Documents in another language need a certified English translation.
• Applicants under 18: a parent or guardian certifies your address on form MR-24.

NJ 6 points of ID calculator: a checklist that adds it up

There is no special tool you need. The MVC's 6 Points of ID page at nj.gov/mvc links to two document sheets, one for a Standard license and one for REAL ID, and those sheets give the point value of each document. Use the sheet for the license you want like a calculator:

1. Open the MVC's Standard or REAL ID document sheet and keep it next to your documents.
2. Pick your primary document first and write down its points.
3. Add secondary documents and write down each one's points until the total is 6 or more.
4. Check that the name matches on every document. If it changed, bring the legal proof that links the names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
5. Add your proof of address (two for REAL ID), your Social Security number and form BA-208.
6. Put everything in one folder, with identity documents on paper.

Primary documents and their points

Primary documents prove who you are and your date of birth or lawful status. You need at least one. Typical examples are below. We could not confirm the current point values from the MVC's document sheets, so we left the numbers out: check each one on the official sheet, because that is the one the counter uses.

• U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or territory.
• Valid U.S. passport.
• U.S. certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• Permanent resident card or other immigration documents from USCIS.

Secondary documents and their points

Secondary documents fill the gap to 6 points. Most are worth fewer points each, so you often need two or three. Common examples, with point values on the MVC's document sheet:

• Social Security card.
• Bank statement or bank record.
• Health insurance or prescription card.
• High school diploma, GED or college diploma.
• Student photo ID with a school record.

NJ 6 points of ID and REAL ID: what changes

Identity documents are required either way. The clear difference is proof of address: the MVC asks for one proof of New Jersey address for a standard license and two for a REAL ID. REAL ID has its own document sheet on the MVC site, so check it for the extra rules before you book.

Common reasons people get turned away

• Showing identity documents on a phone instead of bringing paper or hard copies.
• Adding up to 6 points without a primary document.
• A name that does not match across documents, with no marriage certificate or court order to connect them.
• Only one proof of address when applying for a REAL ID.
• A foreign-language document with no certified English translation.
• Expired documents. Check every date before you leave home.

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