Navigating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) can be a challenge, and the 6 Point ID system is easily the most confusing part. Many people arrive at their appointment thinking they have the right documents, only to be turned away.
The system is not just “6 points.” The real formula is three separate requirements:
- 6 Points of ID (from Primary and Secondary docs)
- Proof of Address (At least one document)
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
You must satisfy all three of these.
REAL ID vs. Standard License: What’s the Difference?
First, know what you’re applying for, as the rules are slightly different.
- Standard NJ License: Lets you drive. Requires 1 Proof of Address.
- REAL ID: Lets you fly domestically (after May 2026). Requires 2 Proofs of Address.
This guide covers the requirements for both.
How To Prove Your Social Security Number (Mandatory)
You must present one of the following:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form (from the past year)
- Pay stub (with your name and full SSN)
- 1099 Form
How To Prove Your NJ Address (Mandatory)
You must present one document (for a Standard ID) or two documents (for a REAL ID). These must be recent and show your name.
- Utility or credit card bill (from last 90 days)
- Bank or credit union statement (from last 60 days)
- Original lease or rental agreement
- Property tax bill (from last year)
Important: These documents are for your address only. They are worth ZERO points toward your 6-point total.
How To Get Your 6 Points of ID In NJ
You must present a combination of documents that add up to 6 points.
Rule 1: You MUST have at least one 4-point Primary Document.
Rule 2: You CANNOT use more than two 1-point documents. Here are the most common documents and their point values:
4-Point (Primary) Documents
(Must have at least one)
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- U.S. Birth Certificate (original, certified copy)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Current Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license from another state
3-Point (Secondary) Documents
- Civil Marriage or Civil Union Certificate
- Legal Name Change Court Order
- NJ Firearm Purchaser Card
2-Point (Secondary) Documents
- U.S. School Photo ID with transcript
- U.S. College Photo ID with transcript
- FAA Pilot License
1-Point (Secondary) Documents
(Cannot use more than two)
- Social Security Card (Yes, you can use it for 1 point and for your SSN requirement)
- Bank/Credit Union Statement
- ATM/Debit card (must have your name)
- Current Health Insurance Card
- High School Diploma or GED
- Out-of-state driver’s license (non-REAL ID)
Common Examples For How to Get 6 Points
- Example 1: U.S. Passport (4 points) + Bank Statement (1 point) + Health Insurance Card (1 point) = 6 Points
- Example 2: U.S. Birth Certificate (4 points) + College ID with Transcript (2 points) = 6 Points
- Example 3: U.S. Birth Certificate (4 points) + Civil Marriage Certificate (3 points) = 7 Points (This is also fine. You just need at least 6.)
6 Points Of ID NJ (New Jersey) PDF
FAQ
A U.S. Passport (or Passport Card) is a 4-point Primary Document. No single document is worth 6 points. You must combine it with other documents to reach the 6-point total.
No. Documents like utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements are worth ZERO points. They are used only to satisfy the separate, mandatory “Proof of Address” requirement.
A Social Security card is worth 1 point as a Secondary Document. It has two jobs: it can count as 1 point and it fulfills the mandatory “Proof of SSN” requirement at the same time.
The 6-point part is exactly the same. The only difference is in the “Proof of Address” requirement:
Standard License: Needs 6 Points + ONE Proof of Address + Proof of SSN.
REAL ID: Needs 6 Points + TWO Proofs of Address + Proof of SSN.
You must bring a legal document that links your old name to your new name. The most common is a certified Civil Marriage Certificate or a court-ordered name change document. This document also counts as a 3-point Secondary Document.
Yes. You just need at least 6 points. For example, a U.S. Birth Certificate (4 points) and a Civil Marriage Certificate (3 points) gives you 7 points, which is perfectly fine.
Conclusion:
Passing the NJ MVC 6 Point ID check is easy once you know the formula—meet all three requirements, not just the 6 points. Before your visit, double-check that you have the right documents: your 6 Points of ID (including at least one Primary document), valid proof of Social Security Number, and a current proof of address. With these ready, you’ll breeze through your appointment without delays.
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