PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is now accepting driver's license applications from anyone of legal age, regardless of their immigration status.
The law was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2019, but the pandemic delayed its implementation.
The process for getting a license remains the same, and Bill Connolly with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission said that includes providing identification and documents to satisfy the state's six-point system.
"What we want you to do is make sure you have the required documents right now," he said. "If you have those documents, make an appointment, come in for your initial permit appointment and you can start that process."
According to Connelly, up to 450,000 people are newly eligible to get a license, and that could put a strain on an agency already spread thin. He encouraged everyone who needs something from the MVC to try online first.
"Right now, about 80% of transactions are completed online," he said. "We do anticipate an initial rush of demand for appointments and we are working to expand our capacity."
Derek DeCosmo, an immigration lawyer from Camden, says he’s been getting calls from undocumented people about what they should do.
"I have encouraged them to engage in this process," he said. "The reality is, we are all safer if more people who are driving are actually licensed, registered with their vehicles and insured."
He said a lot of undocumented people are already driving, so it's good for everyone to know who’s behind the wheel.