New Jersey Court Records
- Search By:
- Name
- Case Number
NewJerseyCourtRecords.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on NewJerseyCourtRecords.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

How to Get Your License Back After a DWI in New Jersey
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a traffic-related crime in which a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Convicted DWI offenders in New Jersey may face consequences, such as fines and loss of driving privileges. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will revoke or suspend an offender's license for specific periods.
Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension
The MVC will revoke your license for a set timeframe after a DUI arrest or court conviction. In New Jersey, the suspension duration may vary based on factors like the number of previous DWI convictions, the driver's age, and the circumstances around the arrest event.
Number of DWI convictions | DWI suspension | Mandatory waiting period | Refusal to take the test |
---|---|---|---|
First conviction. | 3 months (if BAC is higher than 0.08 but less than 0.1%) 7 months to 1 year (if BAC is higher than 0.1%) | After the suspension ends. | 7 months to 1 year 1 to 2 years (restriction in school zones). |
Second conviction. | 2 years | After the suspension ends. | 2 years 4 years (restriction in school zones) |
Third conviction. | 10 years | After the suspension ends. | 10 years 20 years (restriction in school zones). |
Underage driver | 30 to 90 days | 30 to 90 days. |
Note: The BAC is the measure of alcohol in a driver's bloodstream. Arresting officers determine BAC levels through chemical tests like breathalyzers and urinalysis.
Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements
New Jersey's municipal courts and the Motor Vehicle Commission impose penalties and fines on convicted DUI offenders. The courts may impose the following penalties and conditions, such as fines, jail terms, and license suspensions. These penalties may differ based on the circumstances around the DWI incident.
The court will order a license suspension after passing a guilty verdict. Upon receiving the verdict, the MVC will move to revoke your driver's license for the court-specified period. The MVC does not conduct hearings for such cases unless the offender was arrested outside the state.
In New Jersey, the MVC requires convicted DWI offenders to pay a surcharge. The surcharge differs from fines imposed by the court and may differ based on the number of previous DUI offenses. For instance, first-time offenders must pay a $1,000 surcharge fee per year for three years, while repeat offenders will pay up to $1,500. The MVC can impose an indefinite suspension of driving privileges if you fail to pay the surcharge fees.
Step 3: Complete a DWI Education or Treatment Program
IDWI offenders in New Jersey must complete the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP). The program includes screening, education, referral, and treatment for convicted DWI offenders.
After a DWI conviction, the court may order an offender to complete a 12- or 48-hour IDP program. Offenders will be detained at an approved regional facility for the duration of the program.
DWI offenders are responsible for all costs incurred during the program. For instance, first-time offenders must pay $230, while repeat offenders will pay $280 to enroll in the program.
To enroll in the IDP program, you must get a referral from the convicting court. Next, you must look up IDP providers in your county of residence. Contact your preferred provider and provide necessary documents like court referral, valid IDs,
Note: DWI program certificates are part of the requirements for reinstating a driver's license. Thus, the MVC may deny your reinstatement request if you fail to complete the program.
Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent
DWI offenders in New Jersey must have an SR-22 or an equivalent document before reinstating their driver's license. The SR-22 certificate proves that you have the minimum liability insurance coverage. Furthermore, offenders must maintain the certificate for a minimum of three years.
You can purchase an SR-22 policy from auto insurance companies in New Jersey. Note that the company may charge a higher rate if you have a DWI conviction.
Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees
DWI offenders must pay a $100 fee to the MVC to reinstate their driver's license in New Jersey. The MVC accepts online, in-person, and mail-in payments. To use the online payment option, you must visit the agency's platform and input these details:
- Driver's license number.
- Email address
- Credit card number
- Social security number.
For offline payments, you may opt to pay in person by visiting the nearest Regional Service Center or via mail to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
P.O. Box 165
Trenton, NJ 08666-0165
Note: The MVC only accepts checks or money orders for mail-in payments. The check or money order must be made payable to the NJMVC.
Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application
You must apply to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to reinstate your driver's license. To apply, you must first determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants are generally required to fulfill these requirements:
- Completed the Intoxicated Driving Program.
- Installed an IID if required by the court.
- Obtained an SR-22 certificate
- Paid all court fines and fees, including surcharges.
- The driving license suspension has expired.
Eligible applicants must pay the required fees and submit proof of the required documents to the MVC via mail or in person at:
Physical address:
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666
Mail address:
P.O. Box 170
Trenton, NJ 08666-0170.
Upon receiving the documents, the MVC will send a notice of restoration to your mail address.
What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may refuse to reinstate your license if:
- You have not paid the court fees, fines, or other costs incurred as a result of the DWI conviction.
- You do not have a certificate of financial responsibility.
- The license suspension has not expired.
- You violated the terms of the license suspension.
However, you can appeal the agency's decision by requesting a hearing within 25 days of receiving the denial. The agency will appoint a hearing officer to review the case and make the appropriate decision. If the MVC still maintains its stance, you may file an appeal with the New Jersey Supreme Court. The court may charge filing fees and other related costs before reviewing the appeal.
Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges
Per New Jersey Legislation, you can apply for a special ignition interlock device license after a DWI conviction. The license allows you to drive to specific, court-approved locations during a license suspension. For example, you may use a restricted license to drive to work, school, DWI program centers, or the court.
To apply for an ignition interlock license, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Install an ignition interlock device.
- Complete an IDP program.
- Pay the required fines.
Next, request the license in person at the nearest MVC service center. The agency may request a fee to issue a restricted driver's license.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DWI?
The duration of the license suspension will determine how long it will take to get your license back. For instance, first-time DWI offenders may apply to reinstate their license after six months. The MVC will only reinstate your license if you have fulfilled the criteria. DWI offenders are generally required to provide these documents:
- Proof of financial responsibility.
- Certificate of completion of a court-mandated DWI program.
- Proof of ignition interlock device installation.
