The NJ MVC 6 Point ID Checklist: What to Bring for Your License Appointment

One of the most unique—and often confusing—parts of dealing with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is the 6 Points of ID system. This is a verification process that requires you to present a specific combination of documents to prove your identity and legal presence in the United States. Failing to provide the correct documents to meet this 6-point threshold is the number one reason applicants are turned away from their appointments.

A wasted trip to the MVC is frustrating and time-consuming. To prevent this, you must arrive fully prepared. This guide will demystify the 6 Points of ID system and provide a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a successful one-visit appointment.

How the 6 Points of ID System Works

The MVC assigns a point value to different types of documents. Your goal is to present a combination of documents that adds up to at least 6 points. You must also provide proof of your New Jersey address and, in most cases, your Social Security number.

The requirements are strict:

You must have at least one Primary ID.
You must have at least one Secondary ID.
Your documents cannot be expired.
You cannot use more than two 1-point documents.
All documents must be original or certified copies. No photocopies are allowed.

Pro-Tip: The NJ MVC has an official online Document Selector tool on its website. It's the best way to be 100% sure your chosen documents will be accepted.

The Document Checklist: Building Your 6 Points

Use this checklist to gather your documents. Remember to check the point values for each one.

[ ] 1. Choose Your Primary ID (Worth 4 Points)

You MUST have at least one of these. For most new drivers, this will be:

U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copy): Must be issued by a state or municipal government. Hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
N.J. Digitized Driver License (including a Probationary License)
U.S. Adoption Papers
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship

[ ] 2. Choose Your Secondary ID (Worth 1 to 3 Points)

You must have at least one of these to supplement your primary ID.

Worth 3 Points:

Valid, unexpired foreign passport with visa and I-94

Worth 2 Points:

U.S. School Photo ID Card with a transcript or school records
Valid, unexpired Photo Driver License from any state
U.S. Military Photo ID Card

Worth 1 Point (You can use a maximum of two of these):

Social Security Card
High School Diploma, GED, or college diploma
Bank statement or record (must show your name and address)
Health insurance card or prescription card
A credit card or debit card with a pre-printed name

[ ] 3. Proof of New Jersey Address (This is a separate requirement)

In addition to your 6 points, you must prove you live in New Jersey. This document must show your name and current address.

Utility or credit card bill issued in the last 90 days
Bank statement from the last 60 days
High school report card or transcript issued within the past two years
Original lease or rental agreement
Property tax bill from the last year
If you're under 18, you may use a Parent/Guardian Certification form (BA-208) along with their proof of address.

You must prove your Social Security number.

Social Security Card (the best option)
W-2 Form issued within the past year
Pay Stub with your name and full SSN
1099 Form issued within the past year

Example Scenarios for a First-Time Teen Driver

Let's see how a typical 16 or 17-year-old would meet the 6-point requirement.

Scenario 1: The Standard Path

Primary ID: U.S. Birth Certificate = 4 points
Secondary ID: High School Photo ID with a transcript = 2 points
Total = 6 Points
Proof of Address: High school report card.
Proof of SSN: Social Security card.
Result: This combination meets all requirements.

Scenario 2: Using 1-Point Documents

Primary ID: U.S. Passport = 4 points
Secondary ID: Social Security Card = 1 point
Secondary ID: Health Insurance Card = 1 point
Total = 6 Points
Proof of Address: Bank statement.
Proof of SSN: Social Security card (already used for a point, but still proves the number).
Result: This combination also works perfectly.

Checklist for Road Test Day

On the day of your final road test, you need to bring your 6 points of ID again, plus a few other crucial items.

[ ] Your 6 Points of ID
[ ] Your Validated Permit
[ ] The vehicle's original Registration and Insurance cards
[ ] Your accompanying licensed driver (with their NJ license)
[ ] The two red GDL decals (if applicable)

Don't Get Caught Off Guard

The 6 Points of ID system is the gatekeeper to getting your license. Don't treat it lightly. Use the official MVC Document Selector, gather your original documents well in advance, and place them in a dedicated folder. By arriving at your appointment with the correct combination of documents, you ensure a stress-free and successful visit.