State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Driver Manual

When a vehicle is damaged in an accident and needs repair, a motorist should only consider repair facilities that are properly licensed to remove, rebuild or install integral component parts of an engine, power train, chassis or body of a vehicle damaged in a collision. Before choosing an auto body shop:

* Check out several shops.

* A motorist may obtain a list of licensed auto body repair shops online or call (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out of state

* Check for the equipment that the shop needs to properly repair your vehicle (frame machine, mig welder, paint room)

* Ask if the shop is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce or a collision repair association. A motorist may want to call one of these groups to verify the shop’s reputation.

* Ask about assistance with insurance claims. It is illegal for a shop to save a motorist the cost of the insurance deductible. Insurance fraud violators are subject to a penalty of not more than $5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second offense and $15,000 for a third offense (N.J.S.A. 17:33A-5).

* Request an estimate in writing before authorizing repairs. Also, obtain a written warranty on the work that will be done. The estimate should contain the agreed-upon payment terms and the repair completion date and if authorized equipment will be used.

Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in the State of New Jersey. Every vehicle registered in New Jersey must have liability insurance (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-1, 39:6B-2).

The type and cost of insurance coverage can vary. Check the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) Web site to review the many insurance coverage choices, or contact an insurance company.

A New Jersey Insurance Identification Card will be provided for each vehicle insured under a policy. This card must remain in the vehicle with the driver. It must be shown prior to inspection, when involved in an accident and when stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation or roadside spot check.

Driving with an uninsured vehicle can result in fines, community service, license and registration suspension and insurance surcharges.

The Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) in the Division of Criminal Justice aggressively investigates and prosecutes individuals who engage in insurance fraud. If a person commits insurance fraud by providing false information to an insurance company while making a claim or submitting an insurance application, the OIFP can file criminal charges that can result in incarceration. It may also impose civil fines up to $15,000 for each violation (N.J.S.A. 17:33A-5). In addition, a person convicted of insurance fraud could lose his/her driver license.

Because fraud increases the cost of insurance for all New Jerseyans, motorists can help the OIFP by reporting fraud. Visit www.njinsurancefraud.org and click on Report Fraud, or call (877) 55-FRAUD (877-553-7283). All tips are kept strictly anonymous and confidential.

A valid license must be carried at all times when driving (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29). It is important to remember to renew the license before it expires. If a driver license is not renewed for three years, or if the motorist may not renew due to a license suspension, he/she must reapply and retake the vision screening and written and road tests (N.J.A.C. 13:21-8.17). It is the responsibility of the motorist to renew his/her license. Renewal notices are sent to motorists up to 90 days prior to the expiration date. If a renewal form is not received by mail, a form may be obtained at any MVC agency. When renewing a license, a motorist must bring his/her expiring license, a completed renewal form and the documents required by 6 Points of ID Verification (N.J.A.C. 13:21-8.2) to any MVC agency. When a basic license is renewed, any endorsements (motorcycle, commercial vehicle, boat) must also be renewed in order to drive or operate the endorsed vehicle.

If a motorist enters the military and has a valid New Jersey license, he/she should renew the license before it expires. Most licenses may be renewed up to six months in advance of expiration.

Information on a permit, driver license or non-driver ID must be accurate. Changes and corrections should be reported to the MVC immediately.

Address Changes

If a motorist moves within New Jersey or out of state, he/she must report the address change within one week (N.J.S.A. 39:3-36) by any of the following:

* Visit an MVC agency with 6 Points of ID Verification (N.J.A.C. 13:21–8.2) and proof of address change. (A new driver license will be generated for a fee of $11.)

* Submit the request in writing to the MVC Database Unit, P.O. Box 141, Trenton, NJ 08666-0141. (Include copies of 6 Points of ID Verification and proof of address change.)

* Submit the change online.

* Call (888) 486-3339 (toll-free in New Jersey) or (609) 292-6500 (out of state.)

All motorists who make address changes via mail, Web site or phone will receive address change verification stickers in the mail. The sticker is to be attached to the back of the driver license and to the back of any vehicle registrations in the motorist’s name.

Name Changes

If a motorist changes his/her name legally (through a divorce, marriage, adoption or by election) or changes the name of his/her corporation, the name change must be reported to the MVC within two weeks (N.J.S.A. 39:3-9a). Personal name changes may only be made in person at an MVC agency or regional service center. U.S. passports cannot be used as proof of legal name change. Proof of address and 6 Points of ID Verification (N.J.A.C. 13:21-8.2) are required, including a certified copy of the document for the name change. If a new Social Security card with the new name has not been received, the motorist should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Corporate Name/Address Changes

Corporate name changes or changes of address must be made by mail. A company officer must, within seven days, write and sign a letter on company letterhead that includes the:

* Corpcode number

* Former and new company name

* New company address in New Jersey (P.O. box and street)

* Phone number

* Previous address (if applicable)

* Proof of age and identification of company officer

* Name-change papers from the Secretary of State’s office (or equivalent in states outside of New Jersey)

This information may be submitted to:

MVC Database Correction Unit

P.O. Box 141

Trenton, NJ 08666-0141

New Jersey law requires that a motorist carry a validated permit when he/she practices driving and a valid license when driving (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29). In the event that the permit is lost or stolen, any MVC agency will issue a duplicate permit for any class vehicle for $5. A motorist must provide proof that he/she is 17 years or older and have proof of identity, as described in the preceding pages. A licensed driving instructor must apply for the duplicate if the motorist is under 17 years old.

A lost or stolen driver license or non-driver identification card should be reported to the police. The applicant must appear in person at any agency to obtain a duplicate license or identification card. To ensure that someone does not secure a document in another individual’s name, the applicant must show 6 Points of ID Verification. The replacement fee for a lost or stolen license or identification card is $11.