For those who want to apply for a driver’s license or another kind of license or permit in the United States, you will be asked to provide some form of identification. However, if you live in the state of New Jersey, you should know that you are required to provide several forms of identification to get such a license or permit, which each amounts to a specific number of points. They are called the 6 Points of ID. What are the 6 Points of ID in New Jersey?
The 6 Points of ID in New Jersey is known as a point-based identity verification system. Under this system, everyone who wants to apply for driver’s licenses, boating licenses, non-driver ID cards, and other permits are required to provide multiple forms of ID. Providing these forms of identification is believed to be the best way to ensure that someone is who they say they are. It is known as the best way to avoid fraud and identity theft. With this system, these scammers will have a hard time applying for a permit or license under the name of another person because they would need to have access to at least 4 identifying documents of the victims.
For anyone who wants to apply for a license or permit in New Jersey, make sure to provide each of the following kinds of identification:
Primary Documents
A primary document is the first kind of ID that you will have to provide for your application. This one is worth 4 points on the 6 Point system. Remember to provide the original one because there is no way for the photocopies to be accepted. If you are curious about the primary documents accepted for the 6 Points of ID, the list includes:
- Birth certificate issued by the United States
- Current passport issued by the United States
- Expired passport issued by the United States, less than 3 years
- Non-U.S. passport verified by customs/immigration
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
- Current driving license (New Jersey only)
- Current digital boating license (New Jersey only)
- Current non-driver ID (New Jersey only)
- Adoption papers issued by the United States
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S Valid Active Duty Military photo ID
- Refugee travel documentation
It is worth noting that the Department of Motor Vehicles in New Jersey is no longer accepting Puerto Rican birth certificates dated prior to 2010. If you are a New Jersey resident who was born in Puerto Rico, you may want to apply for an updated certificate. You can do it by reaching out to the government of Puerto Rico.
Secondary Documents
The second kind of ID that you need to provide when applying for a license, permit or ID card in New Jersey is a secondary document. This one can be worth 1, 2, or 3 points on the 6 Points system. Feel free to only use up to 2-1-point documents.
- 3-Point Documents
• Civil marriage, partnership or civil union certificate issued by the municipality or state in which the ceremony occurred. Keep in mind that photocopies or certificates issued by religious entities are not acceptable.
• Order or decree of divorce, dissolution or termination
• Court order for a legal name change, signed by a judge or court clerk
• Current US military dependent card
• Valid New Jersey firearm purchaser card - 2-Point Documents
• US school photo ID card with transcript or school records
• US college photo ID card with transcript
• Valid federal, state or local government employee driver’s license
• Valid federal, state or local government employee photo ID card
• US military discharge papers (DD214)
• FAA pilot license - 1-Point Documents (make sure not to use more than two of these)
• Current photo driver’s license from any other state or the District of Columbia
• Social Security card
• Bank statement or record
• ATM card with preprinted name and signature of the applicant (Don’t submit them together)
• Current health insurance card, prescription card
• Employee ID card with printed pay stub
• State professional license
• NJ public assistance card with photo or NJ Social Service ID card
• High school diploma, GED or college diploma
• Property tax statement, bill or receipt issued by a New Jersey municipality
• A waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver’s test (for New Jersey high school students)
• Veterans Affairs universal access photo ID card
Address
The next thing that you will have to provide is the documentation that does not count towards your points of ID. One of the examples is proof of address. You should provide it to confirm where you live and match your proof to your primary and secondary documents. Feel free to use a bill, bank statement, or transcript. Any of them is fine as long as your full name and your current address are clearly written in it.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
In addition, you should also provide either your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The number of any of them will be put on the relevant database and matched with your name and your date of birth.
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