The issue date on a New Jersey driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues licenses valid for 4 years for most drivers. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your New Jersey license means.

Where to find the issue date on a New Jersey driver's license

On the current New Jersey MVC license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when the MVC issued your current card. Renewing your license resets the ISS date while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a New Jersey driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. New Jersey driver's licenses are valid for 4 years for most adult drivers.

What does DD mean on a New Jersey driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is printed, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, rental car companies, and verification systems use it to confirm the card is authentic.

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Restrictions on a New Jersey driver's license

New Jersey licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field or labeled as Restrictions. Common codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• F — Mechanical aid required

New Jersey REAL ID

New Jersey offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID New Jersey license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and federal facilities. To get a New Jersey REAL ID, visit an MVC Agency in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your New Jersey address.

The 6 Points of ID system

New Jersey uses a "6 Points of ID" system for initial license applications and REAL ID issuance. Documents are assigned point values based on their reliability as identity proof. A U.S. passport is worth 4 points; a birth certificate is worth 3 points. You must accumulate at least 6 points total across accepted documents. The MVC website lists the point values for all accepted documents.

How to renew a New Jersey driver's license

New Jersey MVC offers online renewal at nj.gov/mvc for eligible drivers. Online renewal is available if you do not need a new photo and your information has not changed. In-person renewal at an MVC Agency is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, address changes, and name changes. New Jersey has MVC Agencies throughout the state, with some locations offering extended hours.

How to find your original New Jersey licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued. To find your original licensing date, request a driving history abstract through the New Jersey MVC website. The abstract shows your full licensing history, points, and violations.