Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Driver background checks and certification

Driver background checks and certification are required for limousine drivers and rental car chauffeurs. Employers, including owner/operators, must submit a Limousine Driver or Rental Car Chauffer Certification Application for uncertified drivers pending employment as well as those already employed. The MVC certifies limousine drivers based on the results of a fingerprint live scan for a State criminal background check processed under N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3a. Appointments are scheduled through the State fingerprint vendor IdentoGo (IDEMIA). All drivers or owner/operators employed on or after January 8, 2002 are subject to fingerprinting.

This background check is independent of other fingerprint background checks that may have been conducted for other purposes such as a HAZMAT endorsement on a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Drivers who are employed by more than one limousine company only need one limousine background check.

Applicants fingerprinted under N.J.S.A. 39:3-10.1 for a passenger endorsement or passenger and school bus (not under the Department of Education), do not need to be fingerprinted for limousine certification under N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3a. Applicants fingerprinted under the Department of Education statute N.J.S.A. 18A-39:9-1 for passenger and school bus endorsements, will need to be fingerprinted for limo certification under N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3a.

The fee for fingerprinting is collected at the time of service. Contact the vendor for the exact cost at 1-877-503-5981. IdentoGo locations accept most major credit cards or electronic debit cards, money orders and checks on site. No cash will be accepted. 

For full requirements, including step-by-step instructions, download the Motor Vehicle Advisory [pdf] sent March 8, 2010.

To reach MVC Limo Application Unit by phone call (609) 292-7500 ext 5065
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.