New Jersey driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal
New Jersey lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions: you must be between 18 and 70 years old, your license cannot have been suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any medical conditions that would require a vision test or medical review. If you fit those requirements, you can renew online through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website or by mail. If you do not meet those conditions, or if you prefer to renew in person, you will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office.
Your license expires on your birthday. New Jersey sends renewal notices by mail about 45 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee and will need to renew in person rather than online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 if you are between 18 and 70 with no medical or legal restrictions on your license.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Commission receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office requires an appointment booked through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website; walk-ins are not accepted.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
- You will need to bring proof of New Jersey residency, such as a utility bill or lease, if you renew in person or if your address has changed since your last license was issued.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most people
Online renewal through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website is the quickest path if you are may be able to access. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $24 renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit, the Motor Vehicle Commission will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if you are over 70, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license—you will need to do that in person or by mail.
Mail renewal: no appointment needed, but slower
To renew by mail, you will need to complete form BA-49 (process for Driving Privilege Card), which you can read from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website or request by calling 609-292-6500. Include your current license, a check or money order for $24 made out to "State Treasurer," and the completed form. Mail everything to the address listed on the form—currently the Motor Vehicle Commission's mail processing center in Trenton.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because the Motor Vehicle Commission must receive your materials, process them, and then mail your new license back to you. The entire process usually takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope, though it can take longer during busy periods. Do not mail your license if it has already expired by more than one year, because the Motor Vehicle Commission will reject it and you will have to renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office
If you need to renew in person, you must book an appointment through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website first. The Motor Vehicle Commission does not accept walk-ins for license renewal. When you book, you will choose a date, time, and office location. Bring your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months), and payment of $24 in cash, check, or debit card.
In-person renewal at an office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your signature scanned. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will also take a vision test and a written test on New Jersey traffic laws. The Motor Vehicle Commission will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office and the time of day you visit.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above (online, mail, or in person), and you will not face any additional requirements. However, you cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have started the renewal process.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, New Jersey treats it as a lapsed license rather than a renewal. You will have to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office, and you will need to retake the written test and vision test. You will also need to bring proof of New Jersey residency and pay the $24 renewal fee. This process takes longer than a standard renewal because of the testing requirement.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online—you will need to renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months. If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your form and payment.
If you need to change your name, correct an error on your license, or update other information beyond your address, you will also need to renew in person. Bring the document that supports the change, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a birth certificate to correct your date of birth.
Fees and payment methods
New Jersey charges $24 to renew a driver's license for most people. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will pay the standard $24 renewal fee plus the cost of the written and vision tests, which is included in the renewal fee—no additional charge. If you renew online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card.
If you renew after your license has expired, some Motor Vehicle Commission offices may charge a late fee, though this varies by office. Call ahead or check the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website to confirm whether a late fee applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a renewed New Jersey license last?
A renewed driver's license is valid for four years if you are between 18 and 70 years old. If you are over 70, your license is valid for two years. Your new license will expire on your birthday four years (or two years, if over 70) from the date it is issued.
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted your renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted your renewal, but that does not give you legal permission to drive. If your license is about to expire and you need to drive before your new one arrives, renew online so your new license arrives faster.
What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?
The Motor Vehicle Commission sends renewal notices about 45 days before your license expires, but you do not need to wait for the notice to renew. You can start the renewal process anytime up to six months before your license expires. If you are not sure when your license expires, check the expiration date printed on your current license or log into your Motor Vehicle Commission account online.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Yes. The Motor Vehicle Commission requires appointments for all in-person services, including license renewal. You must book your appointment through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website before you visit an office. Walk-ins are not accepted.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the Motor Vehicle Commission and request a replacement rather than a renewal. This is a different process and may require you to visit an office in person. Call the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500 to report your lost license and learn what steps to take next.