Bill

Bill > A4725


NJ A4725

NJ A4725
Establishes alternative pathway for victims of domestic violence to obtain certain identification cards and licenses from MVC.


summary

Introduced
03/16/2026
In Committee
03/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes an alternative pathway for victims of domestic violence to obtain certain identification cards and licenses from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission). Specifically, under the bill, a person who, as a result of an act or acts of domestic violence, lacks the requisite documentation, including photo identification, proof of the person's age, identity, residence, social security number, or New Jersey residency, to obtain a non-driver identification card, a standard basic driver's license, or a standard motorcycle license, as applicable, may submit: medical documentation of the act or acts of domestic violence; court documentation indicating the applicant is a party to a domestic violence legal proceeding in lieu of the requisite documentation; a police report identifying the person as a victim of an act or acts of domestic violence; or certification from a licensed social worker or a domestic violence service provider recognized by a State agency attesting that the person does not possess the requisite documents as a result of an act or acts of domestic violence. The commission is required to authenticate the applicant's documentation with the appropriate person or entity that issued the documentation or another entity deemed appropriate by the commission to confirm the authenticity of the documentation. While the documentation is pending authentication, the commission may issue the applicant a temporary non-driver identification card, standard basic driver's license, or standard motorcycle license, as appropriate, which is to be valid for a period not to exceed 12 months. In addition, the bill clarifies that the documentation submitted by an applicant is not to be considered a government record pursuant to current State law and is not to be disclosed by the commission except in limited situations, as outlined in the bill. The bill further provides that any person who knowingly submits false documentation for the purpose of obtaining a non-driver identification card, a standard basic driver's license, or a standard motorcycle license is to be subject to penalties under applicable State law. The bill also requires the chief administrator to ensure that the employees responsible for receiving and processing the documentation receive training regarding trauma-informed interactions with victims of domestic violence and the proper review and handling of the documentation. The bill further requires the commission to prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature detailing the number of non-driver identification cards, standard basic driver's licenses, and standard motorcycle licenses issued. The report is not to contain any personally identifiable information. Finally, five years following the effective date of the bill, the Legislature is required to review and assess the effectiveness of the bill in assisting victims of domestic violence in obtaining non-driver identification cards, standard basic driver's licenses, and standard motorcycle licenses.

AI Summary

This bill establishes an alternative pathway for victims of domestic violence in New Jersey to obtain essential identification cards and driver's licenses from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) when they lack the necessary documentation due to their experiences. Instead of standard proof of identity, age, residence, or social security number, victims can submit medical documentation of the domestic violence, court documents related to a domestic violence proceeding, a police report identifying them as a victim, or a certification from a licensed social worker or recognized domestic violence service provider. The MVC will verify this alternative documentation, and while it's being authenticated, a temporary identification card or license, valid for up to 12 months, may be issued. The submitted documentation is protected and will not be considered a public record, with limited exceptions for disclosure. The bill also mandates training for MVC employees on trauma-informed interactions with domestic violence victims, requires annual reports on the number of these alternative documents issued (without personal information), and includes a legislative review of the bill's effectiveness five years after it becomes law. Penalties will apply for submitting false documentation, and this alternative pathway does not apply to obtaining REAL ID compliant documents.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 03/16/2026)

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