Moving to New Jersey: what is different for newcomers

Most first steps in the U.S. work the same way everywhere. New Jersey has a few rules of its own that newcomers meet early.

Your license comes from the MVC, with a points system. With a license from another U.S. state, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) says to transfer it within 60 days of your move or before it expires, whichever comes first (NJ MVC). You prove who you are with documents worth “6 Points of ID,” plus proof of address and a Social Security number, an ITIN or an affidavit (NJ MVC). The basic Standard license “is available to all eligible New Jerseyans regardless of immigration status” (NJ MVC). Our New Jersey driver license guide covers each step.

Income tax follows your move-in date. If you became a resident during the year, you are a part-year resident: you file the regular Form NJ-1040 and report only the income you received while living here (NJ Division of Taxation). Under a reciprocal agreement, New Jersey residents are not subject to Pennsylvania income tax on their wages (NJ Division of Taxation). See state income taxes.

Renters have strong protections. For most rentals, a security deposit cannot exceed one and a half months’ rent, a landlord needs “good cause” to evict you or refuse to renew your lease, and lockouts are illegal (NJ DCA — Truth in Renting). Since March 20, 2024, landlords must give prospective renters a Flood Risk Notice: whether the home is in a FEMA flood hazard area, and whether they know it has flooded (NJ DCA). See tenant rights.

Floods and storms are real risks. The state’s Office of Emergency Management lists states of emergency in 2025 for flash flooding, Hurricane Erin and a nor’easter (NJOEM). Floods are the most common disaster in the United States, and six inches of moving water can knock you down (Ready.gov). Our emergency preparedness guide helps you plan.

A state office for newcomers. The Office of New Americans, in the Department of Human Services, supports immigrants through outreach, refugee resettlement and access to services and legal help (NJ Office of New Americans). Its Welcome Booklet comes in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole (NJ Office of New Americans). A 2023 state law requires executive-branch agencies that serve the public to translate vital documents into the seven languages most spoken by people with limited English, and to offer interpreting (NJ Office of New Americans). For immigration questions, see free immigration legal help.