Rooney introduces measure permanently eliminating online convenience fees for motorists

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney aims to eliminate the Motor Vehicle Commission’s online convenience fees with legislation he introduced last week. 

“When we start issuing REAL IDs, the waiting rooms will be inundated with motorists seeking to update their licenses,” said Rooney. “It doesn’t help that the roll out has lagged here in New Jersey. It will congest agencies with people who need to get new drivers licenses before the October 1 deadline next year.” 

REAL ID is the new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs to help prevent fraudulent identification. Starting October 1, 2020, everyone without a U.S. passport or other federally approved form of ID will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter military bases or secure federal facilities. Rooney explained that while the MVC offers many online services, REAL IDs will only be issued in person.  

“We want to encourage drivers to do as much as they can online so they can expect more efficient in-person service,” said Rooney. “Eliminating online fees is a great incentive to help achieve that goal.” 

In April this year, the MVC reinstated the online fees that former Gov. Chris Christie removed in 2016 in an effort to curb long wait lines at agencies. The MVC charges an online convenience fee for renewing standard driver licenses and registrations, and ordering duplicate licenses as well as personalized plates. 

Rooney’s bill will prohibit the MVC from charging a convenience fee for online services. 

# # #