In an effort to eliminate administrative hurdles and foster stronger international ties, Assemblyman Sean T. Kean has asked Governor Phil Murphy to consider a driver’s license reciprocity agreement with Israel. This request follows the Governor establishing similar agreements with South Korea and Taiwan as part of the Choose New Jersey East Asia economic mission.

Under such an agreement, Israeli citizens living in New Jersey, and New Jersey residents living in Israel, could convert their driver’s licenses without undergoing the traditional application process. This would eliminate red tape and would equally benefit drivers in New Jersey and Israel, simplifying the process for obtaining a driver’s license and smoothing the transition when moving between the two countries.

“This arrangement eliminates administrative hurdles, fosters stronger international ties, and enhances the quality of life for residents in both regions,” wrote Assemblyman Sean Kean.

Kean continued, “Israel, like South Korea and Taiwan, is a key partner with whom New Jersey maintains strong economic and diplomatic ties. Further, many New Jersey residents have family and friends in Israel.”

Assemblyman Kean wrote a letter to Governor Murphy on January 25 asking that he consider such an agreement with Israel. That letter is attached.

The driver’s license reciprocity was implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) and both the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea and the Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Below is the letter:

January 25, 2024

Governor Phil Murphy
Office of Governor PO Box 001

Trenton, NJ 08625

Re: Driver’s Licenses Reciprocity with Israel

Dear Governor Murphy:

You recently announced two landmark agreements between the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and South Korea and Taiwan concerning the reciprocal issuance of driver’s licenses. These agreements, signed during the Choose New Jersey East Asia economic mission, simplify the process for citizens of New Jersey, South Korea, and Taiwan to obtain and use driver’s licenses in each other’s jurisdiction.

This arrangement eliminates administrative hurdles, fosters stronger international ties, and enhances the quality of life for residents in both regions.

Considering the success and benefits of this arrangement, I would ask that you consider a similar driver’s license reciprocity agreement with Israel. This initiative could streamline the process for citizens of New Jersey and Israel to obtain driver’s licenses and enable greater mobility.

Israel, like South Korea and Taiwan, is a key partner with whom New Jersey maintains strong economic and diplomatic ties. Further, many New Jersey residents have family and friends in Israel and travel there. Establishing a driver’s license reciprocity agreement could not only facilitate the movement of residents within these countries but also symbolize the strength of New Jersey’s international relationships.

Please feel free to call me to further discuss this proposal or provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,