As most New Jersey Craft Beverage licensees are aware, Governor Murphy is allowing establishments to open on June 15, 2020. It seems there is one question on licensees’ minds right now “What should I do if I am presented with an expired driver’s license?”
Normally, the answer to this question would be “No. It is not a valid form of identification since the license is expired.” However, COVID-19 has ushered us into a world where the normal answers are not necessarily the correct answers.
After reading Acting Director James Graziano’s Special Ruling regarding the COVID-19 Expansion Permit, the question regarding expired driver’s licenses went unanswered. I went back and looked at Governor Murphy’s announcement dated March 14, 2020 which provided “a two (2) month extension for driver licenses expiring in March, April, and May.” The announcement states “All residents who have their driver’s licenses, auto registration, or vehicle inspection due for a renewal by May 31 will receive an automatic two-month extension.” Therefore, a current license that expires on May 31, 2020 does not expire until July 31, 2020.
This morning, I reached out to the Deputy Attorney General at the New Jersey ABC. It took several phone calls to get a Deputy Attorney General on the phone, but once I did I asked the question on licensees’ minds: “what should a licensee do if presented with an expired driver’s license?” The Deputy Attorney General stated to me that he/she was unsure about driving privileges, but regarding proof for Date of Birth and for insurance purposes that the expired driver’s license does serve as a valid ID at this time.
Licensees should not be worried at this time when patrons present an expired driver’s license as proof of Date of Birth and age. Of course, licensees should remain vigilant to any changes to this policy since the Motor Vehicles Commission will begin operating locations beginning later this month.