Bill

A 4688

Increases the maximum sentence of imprisonment for certain misdemeanors to one year; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Blankenbush and 7 co-sponsors

Bill A-4688 lets NJ MVC show roman numerals in legal names (e.g., III) on licenses and IDs, ensuring the name on documents matches the full legal name.

REFERRED TO CODES

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 4688

Bill A 4688 – Summary

Overview

Bill A-4688 seeks to allow individuals whose legal name includes a roman numeral (e.g., III, IV) to have that roman numeral displayed on a wide range of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) documents. The bill defines legal name as the name recorded on a birth certificate unless changed by marriage, divorce, or order of court. It requires the individual to provide documentation demonstrating identity, age, and residence under the MVC’s point-based identification verification program.

Current status: Referred to Codes (with prior action in the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, which reported the bill favorably). Introduced on September 12, 2024; the committee action occurred on June 16, 2025. Related companion bills include S 3511.

Purpose and Intent

To permit display of a roman numeral that is part of a person’s legal name on MVC-issued documents, ensuring consistency between an individual’s legal name and the name shown on licenses and IDs.
To expand options for individuals whose full legal name includes roman numerals, aligning the display of their name across standard and REAL ID licenses, permits, and identification cards.

Key Provisions

Definitions:
- Legal name is the name recorded on a birth certificate unless changed by marriage, divorce, or order of court.
Display of legal name:
- The NJ MVC must permit an individual whose legal name includes a roman numeral to display the legal name, including the roman numeral, on the following documents:
- Standard basic driver’s license
- Standard motorcycle license
- Standard special learner’s permit
- Standard examination permit
- Standard probationary driver’s license
- Standard identification card
- REAL ID basic driver’s license
- REAL ID motorcycle license
- REAL ID probationary driver’s license
- REAL ID identification card
- Commercial driver license
- The display is allowed provided the applicant provides the required documentation under MVC’s point-based identification verification program (PIV) established under section 28 of P.L.2003, c.13 (C.39:2A-28). This includes proof of identity, age, and residence, plus any other information required under Title 39 for the issuance of the particular document.
Effective date:
- The act takes effect immediately.

Affected Parties and Documents

Individuals with roman numerals in their legal names (e.g., III, IV) who wish to have the numeral displayed on MVC documents.
MVC customers applying for any of the listed licenses or identification cards (standard and REAL ID, permits, CDL).
MVC, in administering the PIV program, must accept the required documentation to verify identity, age, and residence.

Implementation and Timeline

Introduced: September 12, 2024
Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
June 16, 2025: Committee reported favorably
Referred to Codes (status updates indicate continued movement through legislative committees)

Related Bills

A 8280 (prior-session)
S 3511 (companion)

Potential Impact

Improves accuracy and consistency between a person’s legal name and the name displayed on NJ MVC documents for those with roman numerals in their name.
May require MVC to adjust processing of documents and verification protocols to accommodate roman numerals as part of legal names.
Could affect identity verification workflows under the PIV program but remains contingent on required documentation submission.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.