(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Raj Mukherji that would allow homeless persons to obtain, duplicate, or renew a non-driver identification card without paying fees to the Motor Vehicle Commission recently cleared the full Assembly, 71-0.
“The administration fee is the only thing prevented many homeless people from acquiring identification, when shelters and social services organizations are willing to help these citizens,” said Mukherji (D-Hudson). “Identification will be useful in many ways by allowing them access to services that will help them in the long run. It is a simple, common sense change in the law that can make a huge impact in the lives of our homeless citizens.”
In order for the fee to be waived, a homeless person would be required to submit proof of temporary residence through a social worker or a coordinator of an emergency shelter for the homeless where the person is temporarily residing. Residents who are 14 years of age and older may apply to the MVC for a non-driver identification card. The card issued solely of the purpose of providing identification and is not a license to drive.
The bill (A-2107), approved 71-0, will now go to the Senate for further consideration.