Signing up for an Autism DL/ID Designation

Due to new law enforcement initiatives recently announced by the state, New Jersey residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a communication disorder, or both, can now sign up for a designation on their driver’s license (DL) or non-driver identification card (non-driver ID). Below you will find information from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on this designation. This designation is completely voluntary and does not require anyone with ASD and/or a communication disorder to sign up.

• MVC provides the ability to those customers wishing to obtain a notation on their DL or non-driver ID indicating a diagnosis of autism spectrum and/or communication disorder.
• To obtain this voluntary designation on a DL or non-driver ID, individuals need to provide 6 points of ID and proof of address, along with the application form (MR-16) and, if applicable, a parental/guardian form if they are under 18 years of age. If the applicant needs the designation on their Real ID document, the criteria above apply, and the individual must also show proof of social security and provide two proofs of address.
• DL and non-driver ID with the designation will be available at all MVC Licensing Centers.
• With this effort, MVC has redesigned the pink card, which is a companion to a DL or non-driver ID and explicitly states any driver’s restrictions or medical designations.

Any person who wishes to have this designation indicated on their DL or non-driver ID and entered into the MVC database must bring all the following documentation to a Licensing Center. This cannot be done by mail or online.

• Complete application MR-16 – Autism Communication Disorder Form
  • • A person who fills out this form with false information is subject to civil, criminal, and administrative penalties
• Present 6 points of ID
• Applicable fee

• • If it is not time to renew your DL or non-driver ID

• • • $11 duplicate license fee

• • If it is time to renew your DL or non-driver ID

• • • Your renewal fee is $24 for a standard license or non-driver ID or $35 for a Real ID license or non-driver ID

Your duplicate or renewed DL or non-driver ID with the Autism Spectrum and/or Communication Disorder designation will be mailed to you. The pink “designation/restriction” card will be issued to you at the agency. You must carry both of these documents together.

The MVC is required to capture a customer’s full face when taking a picture for a DL or non-driver ID card; therefore, they need to see from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. If you have a medical or religious need to wear a head covering in your photo, please advise the MVC staff at the agency camera station.