Requires hotels, motels, rooming, and boarding houses, and similar lodging businesses, to check valid government-issued identification at check-in.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco

Hotels must verify guest identity at check-in with government IDs and keep a one-year guest/resident register.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

Summary of Bill S.3936 (NJ 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

S.3936 would require hotels, motels, rooming houses, boarding houses, and similar lodging facilities to verify the identity of guests or residents at check-in by inspecting government-issued photo IDs. The measure aims to reduce anonymous check-ins and enhance oversight to deter illicit activity, including human trafficking.

Key provisions and changes

definitions:

The term “hotel” for purposes of this act includes motels as currently defined under New Jersey law.

Verification of identity at check-in:

Hotels, retreat lodging facilities, and similar establishments must verify a guest’s identity by physically checking or scanning a government-issued ID (examples include driver’s license, passport, state ID, REAL ID, or comparable government-issued ID).

Record-keeping (guest registers):

Facilities must maintain a guest register that includes:
Names and residences of guests
Dates of arrival and departure
Room or rooms occupied
These records must be retained for at least one year after the guest’s departure and cannot be disposed of during that period.

Verification of residents in rooming/boarding houses:

Rooming or boarding houses must similarly verify a resident’s identity at check-in using a government-issued ID (same types listed above).

Record-keeping for residents:

A register must be maintained with the resident’s name, residence, dates of arrival and departure, and room(s) occupied.
Records must be kept for at least one year after departure and not disposed of sooner.

Effective date:

The act would take effect on the first day of the second month after enactment.

Who is affected

Hotels, motels, and retreat lodging facilities governed by New Jersey law (as defined by existing statutes).

Rooming houses and boarding houses operating within the state.

Staff (officers, agents, or employees) at these properties responsible for checking IDs and maintaining registers.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Enactment path: Introduced in March 2026 and referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Implementation timeline: Effective date is the first day of the second month after enactment; the exact delay depends on enactment timing.

Compliance implications: Facilities must train staff to verify IDs and establish or modify guest/resident registers to meet the one-year retention requirement.

Potential impacts

Enhanced identification verification may deter illicit activities and improve accountability within lodging establishments.

Increased administrative burden for hotels and lodging operators due to mandatory ID verification and longer record retention.

Potential privacy considerations for guests/residents due to centralized record-keeping, though records are limited to name, residence, dates, and room information.

Overall, S.3936 introduces a standardized practice of ID verification at check-in and a mandatory keeping of guest/resident registers for a year, aimed at reducing anonymous occupancy and improving safety and oversight.