The state has announced a phased-in reopening of the Motor Vehicle Commission that could see road tests and new licenses starting by the end of the month.“With the phased reopening of the Motor Vehicle Commission, we’re passing another important milestone on the road back,’’ Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday. “The MVC is implementing smart, innovative plans to safely deliver motor vehicle services to New Jerseyans as we continue the fight against COVID-19.’’
Customers and employees will all be required to wear a face covering. If a customer cannot wear one, the MVC will make other arrangements for their transaction.
There has been an extensive overhaul to MVC buildings during the closing, adding Plexiglas
barriers and other social-distancing measures. Employees will return to their agencies next week for health and safety briefings, hardware and software reboots, and training on new protocols.
“The old MVC crowded a lot of people into a lot of small spaces. We can’t operate like that in a COVID-19 world,” Chief Administrator Sue Fulton said. “Our reopening plan re-imagines MVC workflows, with streamlined processes to clear the backlog and ensure that you spend as little time as possible at MVC.
“Our first priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers,” she said. “We will be reopening in phases, aligning with the principles of the Governor’s statewide reopening plan.”
In order to limit crowds and speed services, some agencies have been designated as Licensing Centers and some as Vehicle Centers. Beginning June 15, the following drop-off and pick-up transactions will be processed:
- Designated Licensing Centers will process and validate permits from driving schools and high schools on a drop-off basis.
- Designated Vehicle Centers will process registration and title work from dealers. License plates can also be surrendered by drop-off at these agencies in a designated area.
The MVC will also be processing registration/title transfers for private sales by a new combination online and mail-in procedure. Customers will be able to sign up for this option at NJMVC.gov.
These activities will clear a three-month backlog from our March 15 closure.
Road tests and the issuing of new licenses and permits are tentatively expected to start Jun 29. There will be
some additional transactions like out-of-state transfers and private sales registrations, but on a limited basis to prevent crowding.
That date is subject to change.When those services do resume, designated Licensing Centers will process new licenses and permits, out-of-state transfers, and REAL ID for those whose appointments were canceled.
Designated
Vehicle Centers will add individual registration and title transactions.
Transactions that can be done online will not be available in person at this time.
The MVC has tripled road-testing capacity, adding 11 courses and reassigning more than 100 Safety Specialists to serve as road test examiners for 30 to 60 days. That takes MVC from an average of 5,800 road tests per week to about 16,300. MVC expects the backlog to be cleared by the end of the 60 days.
Those whose road tests were canceled during the shut-down will be contacted by MVC and provided a secure link to get the first appointments.
“We have more innovations coming to speed our service, while keeping our customers and employees safe,” Fulton said.“We look forward to sharing further plans as they are finalized.”
The Commission continues to urge customers to use NJMVC.gov to renew or replace licenses, renew or replace registrations, or change their address. Customers can also contact MVC by email for help with a suspension.
