(TRENTON) – Aiming to address the backlog of new residents seeking certain services from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) after the agency was closed for months due to COVID-19, a bill received final legislative approval on Thursday, passing the Assembly 78-0 and Senate 39-0.
“While the pandemic put many things on hold, we still need the ability to get new driver’s licenses or register vehicles during this crisis,” said Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “We have to do whatever it takes to fix the MVC, so you don’t have to camp out overnight or wait all day at an agency just to get these simple tasks done. This bill will give many drivers relief, while helping the MVC eliminate its backlog.”
The measure (A-4520), sponsored by Benson and Assemblymen Anthony Verrelli and Ralph Caputo, would temporarily extend the deadline for new state residents to register a vehicle and obtain a driver’s license during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, new residents have 60 days to update their vehicle registration and driver’s license; this bill would extend the timeframe to 120 days.
“New residents who’ve just moved to New Jersey cannot update their documentation online,” said Verrelli (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “With only two months to register vehicles and get new licenses, new residents are rushing to MVC agencies to get their new information squared away. By doubling the amount of time they’ll have to visit the MVC, we’ll make the process easier on the agency and residents alike during these difficult times.”
“The MVC won’t be able to clear its backlog overnight,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “One way we can help alleviate this burden is by staggering when new residents need to visit the MVC. This bill will grant this flexibility to new residents, which in turn will give the MVC some much-needed relief.”
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.