TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo that would give county clerks the authority to assist county residents in applying for and renewing non-driver photo identification cards issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission was approved by the full Senate today.
“In today’s society, so much of what we do is dependent on having a government-issued photo ID,” said Senator Weinberg, “Not everyone drives, so anything we can do to make the non-driver’s photo ID process more convenient to residents is worthwhile,” said Senator Weinberg (D-Bergen). “County clerks already assist in the passport application process. This would be another added service that makes the clerk’s office more valuable to county residents.”
“As a mayor, I hear firsthand what residents want from their local and county governments and high on that list is convenience when it comes to getting licenses and permits,” said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Giving county clerks the authority to assist in non-driver’s photo identification cards is just smart government. The reality is that the people who need these IDs don’t drive so making them go longer distances to apply for these identification cards is a hardship.”
Under the bill, S-2169, the chief administrator of the Motor Vehicles Commission would be required to establish the procedure by which the application for applying for and renewing non-driver photo identification cards at county clerks’ offices would operate. Additionally, counties would be given the option to establish an application program.
The bill was approved by a vote of 39-0.