New Jersey has built one of the most comprehensive release-day document packages in the country. Under the Fair Release and Reentry Act (FRARA) of 2009, every person leaving New Jersey state prison receives a FRARA Portfolio on the day of release containing a temporary photo ID, duplicate Social Security card, birth certificate, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Non-Driver Photo ID, final discharge paperwork, a copy of current criminal charges, account balance and trust account statement, and a medical records summary. You leave with documents in hand.
New Jersey law also requires NJDOC to assist with Medicaid, SNAP, and Work First NJ applications 30 days before release, and to provide 30 days of medication plus additional prescriptions at discharge. Voting rights are suspended only during incarceration -- people on parole or probation can vote in New Jersey.
Here is how the full system works and what you need to do.
The FRARA Portfolio and Release Day Documents
Under the Fair Release and Reentry Act (FRARA, P.L.2009, c.330), every inmate leaving NJDOC state custody receives a FRARA Portfolio on the day of release. The portfolio contains:
A temporary release photo ID.
A duplicate Social Security card.
A birth certificate.
A New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Non-Driver Photo ID.
Final discharge paperwork.
A copy of current criminal charges.
Remaining account balance and final trust account statement.
A medical records summary.
Your NJDOC ID card is also accepted by all state, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations for six months from the date of release. The MVC accepts the NJDOC ID card as 2 points toward a formal Non-Driver Photo ID. County correctional facility IDs have the same acceptance under law.
If your Social Security card, birth certificate, or NJ MVC Non-Driver Photo ID was not included in your FRARA Portfolio at release, contact your facility's NJDOC Office of Programming and Supportive Services (OPSS) before release, or Legal Services of New Jersey (lsnjlaw.org; 1-888-576-5529) after release.
30-Day Medication Supply at Release
New Jersey law permanently requires NJDOC to provide every person released from state or county correctional facilities with 30 days of medication at release, plus an additional 30-day prescription order and two additional refills. This is a standing statutory requirement -- not a temporary program. This medication supply and refill authority is intended to maintain continuity of care until you are connected to a community healthcare provider.
What NJDOC OPSS Provides Before Release
The NJDOC Office of Programming and Supportive Services (OPSS) provides several pre-release services:
SSN card and birth certificate assistance: OPSS addresses issues with Social Security cards and birth certificates before release, and all releasing individuals also receive a temporary NJDOC ID card usable toward formal state identification.
P.R.E.P.A.R.E. (Providing Re-Entry Public Assistance Resource Education): OPSS educates individuals before release on SNAP, Work First NJ (WFNJ), and Emergency Assistance services available at the County Board of Social Services. Each month, every County Board of Social Services receives a listing of individuals releasing in the upcoming month who plan to visit the agency for assistance.
Pre-release benefit applications: Under NJ law, NJDOC is required to assist every inmate in completing and forwarding online applications for Medicaid, SNAP, and Work First NJ 30 days before release. DHS is required to accept and process these applications. Reentry organization addresses may be used as mailing addresses for benefit applications for individuals who cannot identify a residence at the time of application.
Medicaid pre-enrollment sessions: NJ A2828 (pending; confirm current law status) requires peer-led Medicaid pre-enrollment sessions at least 60 days before release, an actual Medicaid enrollment session, and notification of eligibility determination before release -- with a Medicaid ID card provided at release for eligible individuals. Confirm current law status with NJDOC OPSS or Legal Services of New Jersey.
County reentry coordinators: NJ law requires the appointment of a reentry coordinator in each county correctional facility. County coordinators evaluate individual needs and coordinate treatment and services for everyone held in a county facility.
Getting Your New Jersey State ID or Driver's License
New Jersey state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC, nj.gov/mvc).
The MVC Non-Driver Photo ID should be included in your FRARA Portfolio when you leave. If you need to obtain or replace your Non-Driver Photo ID or driver's license after release, visit any MVC agency. Your NJDOC ID card is accepted as 2 points toward a Non-Driver Photo ID. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of New Jersey address.
Getting Your Social Security Card
Your duplicate Social Security card should be included in your FRARA Portfolio when you leave. If it was not, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free.
Ask your NJDOC case manager before release whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
Your birth certificate should be included in your FRARA Portfolio when you leave. If it was not or if you need an additional copy, request one from the New Jersey Department of Health Vital Statistics at nj.gov/health/vital or by calling (609) 292-4087. The fee is currently $25 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office.
NJ FamilyCare: Medicaid
New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. New Jersey's Medicaid program is called NJ FamilyCare. Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible after release.
Under NJ law, NJDOC is required to assist you in completing and forwarding Medicaid applications 30 days before release. A2828 (confirm current law status) requires a Medicaid ID card to be provided at release for eligible individuals. After release, apply through your County Board of Social Services or at nj.gov/humanservices.
The NJ Reentry Corporation (NJRC, njreentry.org) assists returning citizens with Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare enrollment and works directly with NJDOC through an MOU. If you are enrolled through NJRC, they will help you maintain coverage and navigate any H.R. 1 federal work requirement documentation.
SNAP: Food Assistance
New Jersey has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with felony drug convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. The drug conviction ban for Work First NJ (General Assistance) was also repealed under P.L.2020, c.45.
Under NJ law, NJDOC assists with SNAP applications 30 days before release. After release, apply through your County Board of Social Services or at nj.gov/humanservices.
Voting Rights in New Jersey
In New Jersey, voting rights are suspended only during incarceration. Once you are released from prison, your right to vote is immediately restored -- even if you are on parole or probation. There is no waiting period and no petition required.
Register to vote at vote.nj.gov. If your registration was canceled due to your conviction, you may re-register as soon as you are released.
NJ Reentry Corporation (NJRC)
The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC, njreentry.org) is the primary statewide reentry nonprofit organization and operates under an MOU with NJDOC. NJRC serves more than 20,000 clients across 8 county service delivery regions and provides:
Case management and service coordination.
Benefits enrollment: Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, General Assistance.
Medical and behavioral healthcare connections.
MVC Identification and Driver's License services.
Housing referrals.
Professional and pro-bono legal assistance for fines, warrants, and related matters.
H.R. 1 work requirement navigation and documentation support.
Clients are enrolled through the J-CAP process upon prison discharge for max-outs, and through referrals from the NJ State Parole Board, county probation, county corrections, the U.S. District Court NJ Federal Reentry Program, and NJ Drug Court.
NJDOC and Reentry Resources
NJDOC OPSS (nj.gov/corrections/pages/opss.html): FRARA Portfolio; OPSS programming; P.R.E.P.A.R.E.; pre-release benefit applications; County Smart Book resource guide for each NJ county.
NJDOC Veterans Initiative (January 2026): Groundbreaking reentry initiative for incarcerated veterans; Division of Women and Veterans Services; partnership with NJRC and Education and Health Centers of America.
NJ Reentry Corporation (njreentry.org): Statewide reentry organization; MOU with NJDOC; 20,000+ clients; Medicaid, SNAP, MVC ID, legal, housing, employment.
County Boards of Social Services: Medicaid, SNAP, Work First NJ, Emergency Assistance applications after release; NJDOC sends monthly listings of releasing individuals.
NJ Department of Human Services (nj.gov/humanservices): NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) and SNAP applications.
NJ MVC (nj.gov/mvc): Non-Driver Photo ID and driver's license.
NJ Department of Health Vital Statistics (nj.gov/health/vital; 609-292-4087): Birth certificates; $25 per copy.
Legal Services of New Jersey (lsnjlaw.org; 1-888-LSNJ-LAW / 1-888-576-5529): Free civil legal assistance statewide for eligible low-income residents.
211 New Jersey (nj211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services by county.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NJDOC FRARA portfolio given at release?
The FRARA (Fair Release and Reentry Act) Portfolio is a package of documents every NJDOC state inmate receives on the day of release. It contains a temporary release photo ID, duplicate Social Security card, birth certificate, NJ MVC Non-Driver Photo ID, final discharge paperwork, copy of current criminal charges, account balance and trust account statement, and medical records summary. If any of these items were missing from your portfolio at release, contact NJDOC OPSS or Legal Services of NJ (1-888-576-5529) immediately.
Can I use my NJDOC ID card after release?
Yes. Your NJDOC ID card and county correctional facility ID card are accepted by all state, county, and municipal agencies and NJ nonprofit organizations for six months from your release date. The MVC also accepts the NJDOC ID as 2 points toward a formal Non-Driver Photo ID application. Use this card immediately -- do not wait until it expires to obtain your formal MVC ID.
Can I get NJ FamilyCare Medicaid after prison?
Yes. New Jersey expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible through NJ FamilyCare. Under NJ law, NJDOC is required to assist you with Medicaid applications 30 days before release. Confirm whether your eligibility was determined and whether a Medicaid ID card was included in your FRARA Portfolio. After release, apply through your County Board of Social Services or at nj.gov/humanservices. The NJ Reentry Corporation (njreentry.org) also assists with NJ FamilyCare enrollment.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with felony drug convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Under NJ law, NJDOC assists with SNAP applications 30 days before release. After release, apply through your County Board of Social Services or at nj.gov/humanservices. NJRC (njreentry.org) also assists with SNAP enrollment and H.R. 1 work requirement navigation.
Can I vote after prison in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey suspends voting rights only during incarceration. Once you are released from prison, your voting rights are immediately restored -- even while you are on parole or probation. No waiting period or petition is required. Register to vote at vote.nj.gov as soon as you are released.
How do I get my birth certificate in New Jersey?
Your birth certificate should be included in your FRARA Portfolio at release. If it was missing or you need an additional copy and you were born in New Jersey, contact the NJ Department of Health Vital Statistics at nj.gov/health/vital or call (609) 292-4087. The current fee is $25 per copy. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office.
How do I replace my Social Security card in NJ?
Your duplicate Social Security card should be included in your FRARA Portfolio at release. If it was missing, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Ask your case manager before release whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this to begin up to 90 days before release.
What is the NJ Reentry Corporation?
The NJ Reentry Corporation (NJRC, njreentry.org) is the primary statewide reentry nonprofit with an MOU with NJDOC. NJRC serves more than 20,000 clients across 8 county service delivery regions and provides case management, Medicaid and SNAP enrollment, MVC ID and driver's license services, housing referrals, legal assistance, and H.R. 1 work requirement navigation. Enrollment occurs through the J-CAP process at prison discharge for max-outs and through referrals from the NJ State Parole Board, county probation, county corrections, the U.S. District Court NJ Federal Reentry Program, and NJ Drug Court.
What benefits can I apply for after release in NJ?
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) through your County Board of Social Services or nj.gov/humanservices. SNAP (food assistance) through your County Board of Social Services -- drug convictions do not bar you. Work First NJ (cash assistance/general assistance) -- drug conviction bar repealed. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. Emergency Assistance through your county. NJRC (njreentry.org) assists with all benefits enrollment.
What medication do I get when released in New Jersey?
NJ law permanently requires every person released from state or county correctional facilities to receive 30 days of medication at release, plus an additional 30-day prescription order and two additional refills. This medication and prescription authority is a standing statutory requirement designed to maintain continuity of care until you connect with a community healthcare provider. If you did not receive your medications at release, contact Legal Services of New Jersey (1-888-576-5529) for assistance. ---