NJ Form DRM-50 Next-of-Kin Registry Guide

NJ Form DRM-50 Next-of-Kin Registry Guide – The New Jersey Form DRM-50 is the official paper application used to register or update emergency contact information in the state’s Next-of-Kin Registry. Managed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), this voluntary program helps law enforcement quickly notify designated contacts if a person is involved in a motor vehicle crash and cannot communicate.

Established under N.J.S.A. 39:4-134.2 and commonly known as Sara’s Law, the registry exists to prevent delayed notifications that can occur after serious accidents. It is available to New Jersey residents age 14 and older who hold a valid driver’s license, probationary license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card.

What Is the New Jersey Next-of-Kin Registry?

The Next-of-Kin Registry is a confidential, statewide web-based system that stores emergency contact details. Law enforcement officers may access this information only when a driver or passenger suffers serious bodily injury, death, or incapacitation in a vehicle crash and is unable to communicate.

The program was created in memory of Sara Elizabeth Dubinin of Sayreville, who became unresponsive after a 2007 crash and later passed away before her parents could be notified. The law ensures designated contacts can be reached promptly in similar situations.

Information in the registry is not a public record and is used solely for emergency notification purposes.

Who Can Apply Using Form DRM-50?

Eligibility is straightforward:

Individuals age 14 and older
Holders of a New Jersey driver’s license, probationary license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card
Minors under 18 must designate a parent or legal guardian as at least one emergency contact and obtain their signature

Emergency contacts themselves must be at least 18 years old. Applicants may list up to two contacts. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of vehicles owned, leased, or authorized for use may also be included by license holders.

How to Complete and Submit New Jersey Form DRM-50?

Form DRM-50 (revised 10/2019) can be used for both new registrations and updates. You have two primary options:

Option 1: Register or Update Online (Recommended)

Visit the official NJMVC Next-of-Kin Registry page and complete the process digitally. Online registration requires your driver’s license or non-driver ID number and full Social Security number for authentication.

Option 2: Submit Form DRM-50 by Mail

Download, print, and complete the official form:

Download New Jersey Form DRM-50 (PDF)

Information required on the form includes:

Applicant’s full name and current address
Driver’s license or non-driver identification card number
Optional Vehicle Identification Numbers (up to five)
Up to two emergency contacts (title, first name, middle initial, last name, primary 10-digit phone number, and optional alternate phone number)
Indication of whether this is a new submission or an update
Applicant’s signature and date
Parent/guardian signature and date if the applicant is under 18

Mail the completed form to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Driver Management Unit – Data Entry
PO Box 134
Trenton, NJ 08666-0134

Note: Some older versions of the form list a slightly different P.O. Box. Always follow the current address published on the official NJMVC website.

Important Rules and Responsibilities

It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to keep contact information accurate and up to date.
Emergency contacts can be changed or added at any time by submitting an updated form or using the online portal.
For minors, additional verification (such as a birth certificate and marriage license for parents with the same last name, or guardianship papers) may be required in certain circumstances.
The NJMVC is not responsible for the accuracy of information submitted by applicants.

Why Registering Matters for New Jersey Residents?

In a serious crash, every minute counts. Having current emergency contacts in the Next-of-Kin Registry allows law enforcement to reach the right people quickly. This free, voluntary service provides peace of mind for individuals and their families across the state.

Whether you choose the convenient online method or prefer the paper Form DRM-50, registering takes only a few minutes and could make a critical difference in an emergency.

Official Resources and Additional Information

Always refer to the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website for the most current instructions, forms, and contact details. Information is subject to change by state authorities.