Why do I need to be fingerprinted and have a background check completed?
State law requires all limousine drivers/operators to complete a criminal background check.  Governor Jon S. Corzine signed a bill transferring authority for this background check to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC); it is listed under N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3A.

Do all limousine drivers need fingerprint background checks?
No. Only driver applicants employed as limousine drivers, as of January 8, 2002, are required to get a fingerprint background check.  Individuals hired to drive a limousine prior to this date are not required to get a background check for employment.  If a driver applicant was employed by one company prior to January 8, 2002 and went to work for another company after January 8, 2002, he/she will need a background check.

I’m not sure if I drive a limousine?
In New Jersey, limousines have “OL” registration plates.  Limousine is defined in State law to include any automobile or car with a motor used in the business of carrying passengers for hire.  Specifically, limousine trips are prearranged and include a premium fare.  The service is dedicated, nonscheduled and not conducted on a regular route.   The vehicle does not have a seating capacity in excess of four passengers beyond the maximum passenger seating capacity of the vehicle at the time of manufacture.  Also, the vehicle has seating capacity of no more than 14 passengers, not including the driver.

I own the limousine company/business and also drive the limousine.  Do I need to complete a background check on myself? 
Yes. If a company’s owner also operates a limousine, he/she is subject to the background check requirements.  If based on the background check, the owner is not qualified; the law states that you may not drive a limousine.

Can a new driver (employee) operate a limousine prior to completion of the background check and MVC notification?
No. The law does not include waivers, extensions or delayed requirements for new or existing employees.  Only drivers employed prior to January 8, 2002 are exempt from the background check requirements.   

Are drivers that I currently employ subject to background checks?
Drivers employed on and after January 8, 2002 must be fingerprinted and qualified by the MVC.

How do I get fingerprinted?
Driver applicants must complete the Fingerprint Application Form and contact the State’s vendor, Sagem Morpho Inc., to schedule an appointment.  Sagem Morpho may be reached at 1-877-503-5981 or visit the company’s Web site at www.bioapplicant.com/nj
 

What does the fingerprint background check cost? 
The fee for fingerprinting is $70.25.  This fee is collected at the time of scheduling.  Sagem Morpho accepts most credit cards or money orders only.

How do I find a Sagem Morpho location?
Sagem Morpho has locations throughout the state.  Appointments for fingerprint collection can be scheduled at a number of convenient locations, which can be found by calling 1-877-503-5981 or visiting www.bioapplicant.com/nj

How will I find out if I’m qualified or disqualified?
The MVC will review criminal history based on reports provided by the State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If there are any disqualifying convictions, the MVC will notify a driver applicant’s employer that he/she is disqualified from driving a limousine.  If there are no disqualifying convictions, the MVC will notify the employer that the driver applicant is qualified.  The employer is responsible for notifying current and prospective employees of the background check results.

What happens if I’m convicted after being qualified?
Once collected, a driver applicant’s fingerprints will be kept on file with the State Police.  The MVC will be notified of any state-level convictions.  If the conviction disqualifies the driver applicant, the MVC will notify all employers that he/she is now disqualified.

Will my employer receive a list of all convictions including minor offenses?
No. The employer will only receive a letter qualifying or disqualifying the limousine driver applicant.

What happens if I’m disqualified in error?
On very rare occasions, an error may occur resulting in a disqualification letter being issued. The driver applicant should call the MVC CDL Unit at (609) 292-7500, extension 5077 for information on how to correct the error. If the error involves an incorrect conviction record, the driver applicant will be instructed to write the State Police who will review its records and determine a course of action.  Requests for the State Police to review a background check outcome will only be handled in writing, not by phone or in-person. The MVC cannot make determinations on incorrect conviction records. This can only be done by the State Police.

I am a driver working for more than one limousine company.  Do I need more than one background check?
No.  However, each company needs to complete and submit a Limousine Driver Employer Application to the MVC.  This will ensure that each company receives a driver applicant’s background check results.  If a driver applicant applies to work for another company six months after a qualification letter has been issued, he/she will need to re-submit fingerprints and complete another background check.  A qualification letter for employment application is only valid for six months.

Should companies report address changes to the Motor Vehicle Commission?
Yes, this is important.  The MVC will not be able to notify a company of a driver/employee disqualification unless a current address is on file.

How often will I need to have a fingerprint background check done?
A background check is required only once unless a driver changes employers more than six months after his/her qualification letter was issued by MVC.

If I have been fingerprinted for a CDL passenger endorsement, must I also be fingerprinted to drive a limo?
Yes.  By law, the MVC cannot use results of the passenger endorsement background check to qualify a limousine driver.  The requirements for limousine driver/operator differ with the requirements for passenger endorsement.

I live in another state but work for a New Jersey limousine company. Do I need to have a background check done?
Yes.  All limousine drivers and employers in New Jersey must comply with the requirements.

I live in New Jersey and I am licensed here but work for a limousine company in another state. Do I need to have a background check done?
Maybe.  Some other states also require background checks for limousine drivers.  A background check completed in another state will not qualify a driver in New Jersey.

How can I get the fingerprint application?
Before a driver applicant can be fingerprinted, the employer, or potential employer, must complete a “Limousine Driver Employer Application” and send it to the MVC. After this is done the driver applicant can be fingerprinted. Fingerprint applications are available from the employer or on the MVC Web site www.njmvc.gov.

The limousine law also requires drug testing.  How will that be handled?  The MVC needs to provide regulations outlining drug testing procedures and requirements.  The regulations should be available in 2008. Employers may continue to provide their own drug testing/screening programs for new applicants, as well as existing employees.  Employers will be notified when the regulations are complete. Once adopted, employers and drivers will be expected to comply with the new regulations.