TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced today that, in an effort to protect the public by limiting in-person contact that could result in the spread of COVID-19, multiple divisions within Department of Law and Public Safety are extending by at least 30 days the deadlines for renewing or resubmitting certain licenses.
Meanwhile, the Department is taking additional steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 by limiting in-person transactions between its personnel and the general public, and encouraging members of the public to communicate with the Department’s staff via telephone, email, and other forms of remote communication when possible. Some agencies within the Department that frequently conduct in-person business with members of the public are temporarily closing walk-in offices and/or expanding the services that they provide remotely.
“As our office responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, we must continue serving the public even as private businesses are shutting down,” said Attorney General Grewal. “But we can take important steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of our 7,700 employees while we continue to work to protect our fellow residents during this unprecedented public health emergency. By temporarily suspending in-person renewals of licensees, and taking additional steps to limit in-person interactions, we are promoting social distancing to protect public health.”
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
ABC is extending by 30 days any Minor Employment Permits set to expire in March.
In addition, ABC is advising members of the public – including applicants, licensees and attorneys – not to visit ABC offices without an appointment. To the extent possible, all ABC business will be conducted online or by telephone. If a personal appearance at ABC is required, those appearances will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and by appointment only.
Visit ABC’s website at https://www.nj.gov/oag/abc/index.html for further information.
Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
Until further notice, DCR is accepting all complaints by telephone or mail only. DCR has temporarily stopped taking in-person complaints to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
To file an employment complaint, please call one of our regional offices:
Newark: 973-648-2700
Trenton: 609-292-4605
Cherry Hill: 856-486-4080
Atlantic City: 609-441-3100
To file a housing complaint, please call our Statewide Housing Hotline at 1-866-405-3050.
Visit DCR’s website at https://www.nj.gov/oag/dcr/index.html for further information as it becomes available.
Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and Professional Boards
DCA houses 51 professional licensure boards, which collectively oversee approximately 720,000 active licensed professionals. The licenses issued by those boards have staggered renewal dates. The licensure actions announced today by Attorney General Grewal pertain only to licenses issued by the professional boards that require renewals or resubmission in the coming weeks.
Effective immediately, DCA is extending by 60 days licenses for Home Improvement Contractor, Home Elevator Contractor, Respiratory Care Practitioner and Product Warrantor that are due for renewal during the March renewal period.Similarly, the following CDS licenses are being extended by 60 days: Analytical Lab; Clinic Narcotic Treatment Center; Dog Handler/Trainer; Animal Shelter; Manufacturer; Wholesale Distributor, and Research Facility. DCA is extending by 30 days licenses for Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Professional Engineer & Land Surveyors, which are due for renewal during the April renewal period.
Finally, DCA is providing 90-day extensions for all professional licenses requiring renewal/resubmission during the February renewal period, with no late fee assessed. Those licenses include Minor Employment Permits, as well as the following CDS licenses: Dentist; Dentist branch; Podiatrist; Podiatrist branch and Certified Nurse Midwife.
During the COVID–19 state of emergency, the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) within DCA is encouraging all registered nonprofit organizations that have scheduled bingo or raffle events to postpone or cancel those events. A nonprofit organization preparing and filing an amended license application for a postponed raffle or bingo event will not be required to enter the new date for the event. When the rescheduled date is determined, the municipality must then be notified. There is no filing fee for the license amendment. A nonprofit organization that cancels a bingo or raffle event will receive a credit for the license fee. The LGCCC will waive the late fee for any nonprofit organization that files a late renewal registration.
For more COVID-19-related information from DCA as it becomes available visit https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/
Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
To report a crime, members of the public can telephone the Division of Criminal Justice at 1-800-277-2427.
To report insurance fraud, visit the website of the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (https://njinsurancefraud2.org/#report) or call the fraud hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD (1-877-553-7283).
To report corruption, call the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability at 1-844-OPIA-TIP (1-844-674-2847).
Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
As announced today by Governor Phil Murphy, all Atlantic City casino properties will be closed as of 8 p.m. this evening. DGE is working with the casinos to ensure an orderly shutdown. In addition, provisions have been made so online gaming can continue.
DGE operations will continue through telework, remote access and conference calls. A limited presence of essential DGE staff will continue at various facilities throughout the state.
DGE is extending by 30 days all casino licenses requiring renewal or resubmission including: Casino; Slot Machine; Casino-Internet Gaming’ Casino Key Employee; Service Industry Licensing; Junket Enterprise; CHAB CSI; Internet Ancillary; Racetrack; Ancillary CSIE and Transactional Waivers.
DGE also has closed its public Fingerprint/Intake offices at Boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City until at least April 1. DGE will accept mailed fingerprints on NJ Fingerprint Cards at the following address: Division of Gaming Enforcement, Fingerprint Unit, Tennessee and Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. DGE will also accept fingerprints processed by a Morpho Trust location (at additional cost to the licensee.) Those with questions regarding fingerprints can call (609) 441-3050 or e-mail fingerprint@njdge.org .
In addition, DGE will not be able to hold any in-person requests for additions or removals to/from the self-exclusion list at the Division’s Trenton or Atlantic City locations until at least April 1. However, patrons will be able to add themselves to the self-exclusion list via the DGE self-exclusion web portal. Those seeking assistance with portal self-exclusion can call (609) 441-3846.
Finally, all DGE conferences and hearings are being rescheduled until after April 1.
For further information on DGE’s response to the COVID-19 situation, visit the DGE website at https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/index.html.
Juvenile Justice Commission
All visitation has been suspended for 30 days – effective March 15 – to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Racing Commission
The Racing Commission is extending for 30 days all horse racing licenses requiring renewal/resubmission including: Assistant Trainer; Authorized Agent; Corporate Stable Name; Jockey; Jockey Agent; Jockey Apprentice; Multiple Ownership; Owner; Starter; Plater: Timer; Pari-Mutuel Employee; Stable Employee; Stable Name; Driver/Trainer; Vendor; Identification License; CID; Veterinarian.
As announced today by Governor Murphy, like the casinos, all racetracks must be closed by 8 p.m. this evening.
The Meadowlands Racetrack, Freehold Raceway and Monmouth Park have already taken steps to cancel all live racing, simulcasting, sports wagering (where available) and any scheduled promotional events. Similarly, Monmouth Park’s backstretch and stabling area, originally scheduled to open in early April, will not open as planned. Please check Monmouth Park’s website for additional information regarding the availability of the stabling facilities at the track.
State Athletic Control Board
The State Athletic Control Board (SACB) is extending for 30 days all Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing and Kickboxing licenses including: Pro Boxer; Pro MMA Contestant; Amateur MMA Contestant; Pro Kickboxer; Amateur Kickboxer and Amateur Muay Thai Kickboxer.
The SACB has cancelled all scheduled events through April 18.
Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO)
Effective immediately, VCCO staff members will be unable to meet in person. Individuals may continue to leave documentation in the VCCO mailbox. Persons seeking to file a new application may submit an application online by visiting the VCCO website at www.NJVICTIMS.org.
Individuals without access to a computer may call the VCCO office at (973) 648-2107 (Prompt 4). Switchboard staff will take your name and telephone number. VCCO staff will return your call and take your application over the phone. Inquiries may also be submitted by e-mail to NJVICTIMS@NJVICTIMS.ORG.
Citizen Services
The Attorney General’s Citizens Services unit will be available to receive telephone calls, but email is preferred. Please forward all correspondence via email to
citizens.services@njoag.gov.
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